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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Ciara Phelan

Taoiseach Micheal Martin ‘willing’ to travel to Ukraine as discussions have taken place about potential trip

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is “willing to go” to Ukraine and discussions have already taken place about a potential visit, the Irish Mirror understands.

A senior source said that consideration has been given to Mr Martin travelling to Kyiv to show his solidarity with Ukraine.

And speaking in the Dáil on Thursday, Mr Martin said he will “certainly” consider going.

READ MORE: €400 a month payment for Irish homes hosting Ukrainian refugees signed off by Cabinet

However, senior sources have said that no date has been secured in Mr Martin’s jam-packed schedule.

But a source has said that the Taoiseach “is willing to go,” and to witness the atrocities caused by the Russian invasion.

Mr Martin was responding to Fianna Fáil TD John Lahart in the Dáil who asked his party leader if he had any plans to travel to the war-torn country.

Mr Martin said: “I salute Senator [Timmy] Dooley and Deputy [Billy] Kelleher for visiting Ukraine early on during the war through the ALDE group.

“I know Minister [Simon] Coveney has been to Kyiv.

“And I’ll certainly..we will consider that issue also.

“Again, we’ll work with the Ukrainian Government in terms of doing whatever we can to [provide] support.”

Senior sources have said that if Mr Martin managed to schedule a trip to Kyiv, it would be important to try and meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Over 30,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived into Ireland and around 21,277 have sought accommodation from the State.

And more than 31,000 people have been given PPS numbers and child benefit is now being paid in respect of 10,242 children.

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