Ireland's Cabinet To Discuss New Political Deal With Ukraine

Today, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Taoiseach Simon Harris will jointly give a letter to Cabinet. The new political deal with Ukraine is the main topic of discussion.

(Also read Ireland’s Electricity Sector Achieves Decades-Low Climate Pollution, Reports SEAI.)

Ireland’s strong sympathy with Ukraine is emphasised in the memo. It backs Ukraine’s sovereignty to protect itself against Russia’s illegitimate invasion.

The Cabinet meeting, scheduled for 9:30 am in Dublin, will see Harris and Martin updating ministers on the deal. The agreement, though still pending, aligns with Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.

Ireland’s New Political Deal with Ukraine Highlights Decade of Aid and Support for Ukrainians

This new deal will last for ten years. It reaffirms Ireland’s commitment to non-lethal assistance. To date, Ireland has contributed approximately €90 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Additionally, €250 million has been provided in non-lethal military assistance. Ireland has also welcomed over 109,000 Ukrainians under the Temporary Protection Directive.

In other news, regulations will be signed today by Mr. Harris and Helen McEntee, the Minister of Justice. As a result, gardaí will need to retire at age 62 instead of 60.

This change aims to help with recruitment and retention in the garda force. Drew Harris, the Garda Commissioner, made the request. Planning reform will be the subject of a Cabinet update by Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien.

Considerable advancement has been achieved, as evidenced by the 62% rise in cases resolved by An Coimisiún Pleanála. The Minister of Further and Higher Education, Patrick O’Donovan, will also address the Cabinet. He will propose €600,000 in funding to support housing for students from Traveller and Roma backgrounds.