Taoiseach Micheál Martin has warned people not to follow in the footsteps of brave Rory Mason who died fighting in Ukraine last week.
The young Meathman was killed in the line of duty for Ukraine at the frontline in the war against the invading forces of Russia.
The three leaders of Government, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, and Greens chief Eamon Ryan all paid tribute to Mr Mason and extended their condolences to his family and friends.
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However, there were also warnings that Ukraine is not a safe place to travel to, especially for volunteers who are not militarily trained.
The Taoiseach said: “I think it’s a very sad situation, the Mason family has asked for privacy, we must respect that.
“It’s very, very sad that a young 22-year-old should die in this war and our thoughts and our prayers are with the family right now.
“I’m reluctant to make commentary on the context of his passing, that would in any way be seen as a judgement or whatever.
“People who make individual decisions in their lives with the best of reasons.
“We have advised people not to go through Ukraine and we continue with that advice.
“People who are not trained in a military way or have no military experience should not get involved in any way, in my view, in the war, from a military perspective.
“That would be my view on that.
“But I think for the next couple of days we should give the family time to mourn their son who they loved so well and of whom they were very proud.”
Mr Varadkar said: “I agree, I wouldn’t advise that anybody travel to Ukraine at the moment.
“It is a country at war and it is a very dangerous place.
“But I do respect the fact that some people will make that decision and I would like to extend my condolences to Rory Mason’s family, to his friends and also to the wider community in Dunboyne who are very shocked at the news today.
“And I think war should never happen, but sometimes people choose to fight and anyone I think on the Ukrainian side of this war is fighting the good fight and we shouldn’t forget that.”
Mr Ryan added: “I think our thoughts first and foremost are with the family and their terrible loss.
“And I think to mark that and recognise that is what we need to do now instead of commenting further.”
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