Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
103. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline any projected economic return on Ireland’s investment in hosting President Zelenskyy, including the strategic value of enhanced bilateral trade, Ireland–Ukraine economic forum initiatives, foreign direct investment and potential exports or reconstruction contracts, relative to the public funds expended. [73042/25]
View answerIreland welcomed President Zelenskyy to Ireland on 2 December 2025 for the first official visit to Ireland by a President of Ukraine and First Lady.
The visit demonstrated and underpinned the very close and warm relations between Ireland and Ukraine; Ireland’s steadfast support as Ukraine defends itself against Russia’s illegal war of aggression; and our recognition of the valued contribution the Ukrainian community that has sought refuge here is making to communities throughout the country.
President Zelenskyy undertook a number of engagements during his visit, including a bilateral meeting with the Taoiseach, a courtesy call on President Connolly, and I hosted President Zelenskyy in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum.
The economic forum provided an opportunity to highlight the opportunities for closer economic relations between the two countries, including those areas identified in the 2030 Roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland Partnership, signed by the Taoiseach and President Zelenskyy during his visit.
This forum served to strengthen Ireland’s economic connections with Ukraine, building on already strong government-to-government, business-to-business and people-to-people links between our two countries. This includes ensuring the relationships are in place, and opportunities identified, in relation to the recovery of Ukraine’s economy and its reconstruction following Russia’s brutal, illegal and unprovoked invasion. It also includes supporting Ukraine as it prepares for accession to the European Union. The Government, our State agencies and businesses here in Ireland all have an important role to play in this endeavour.
