Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
272. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the diesel and jet fuel refined from Russian oil and imported into Britain is subject to the waiving of sanctions under licence GBSAN0004 issued by the Secretary of State on 19 May 2026 (detail supplied) will be subject to import sanctions here; and her views on whether additional measures are required to prevent its import. [39968/26]
View answerIreland has supported strong sanctions in response to Russia’s unjust and illegal invasion of Ukraine. The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history.
I welcomed the recent adoption of the 20th package of sanctions and we will continue to support further sanctions as long as Russian aggression continues, including during our EU Presidency. EU sanctions have direct effect in all Member States of the EU, and they are legally binding on all natural and legal persons in Ireland.
Under EU sanctions, it is prohibited to purchase, import or transfer, directly or indirectly, crude oil or petroleum products into the EU if they originate in Russia or are exported from Russia. In the 18th package of sanctions relating to Russia, the EU introduced further measures to prohibit the purchase, import or transfer, directly or indirectly into the Union, of petroleum products obtained in a third country from crude oil originating in Russia from January 2026.
Last week, the UK amended its Russia sanctions regime to similarly restrict import to the UK of refined oil and oil products that have been processed from Russian-origin crude in third countries. At the same time, they issued a General Licence which authorises transactions which would otherwise contravene the new measures where they relate to diesel and jet fuel for a set period of time.
Sanctions provisions are subject ongoing review and adjustment. We will continue to work closely with our EU and international partners to seek maximum impact of sanctions to pressure Russia to stop its illegal war.
