Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
180. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing construction of a children’s hospital in Ukraine (details supplied); if he will consider allocating targeted funding for this project as part of Ireland’s wider financial support for Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62797/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra181. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise the matter of the ongoing construction of a children’s hospital in Ukraine (details supplied) at an EU level to propose direct funding for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62798/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra182. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider facilitating a meeting with an Irish based engineer that is part of the ongoing construction of a children’s hospital in Ukraine (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62799/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 180, 181 and 182 together.
Ireland has been a consistent supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s illegal invasion in February 2022, including through vital humanitarian and stabilisation supports designed to provide the most effective assistance possible to the people of Ukraine. This year the Tánaiste and I approved funding of €35.5 million in such supports in response to the Ukraine crisis.
Ireland provides a wide range of humanitarian assistance and stabilisation supports. Our humanitarian response is primarily channelled through long-standing trusted partners including UN agencies and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Ireland’s flexible support helps humanitarian partners to reach the most vulnerable whether they remain close to frontlines, are displaced elsewhere in Ukraine, or have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
Last year Ireland partnered with UNFPA to rehabiliate the basements of two hospitals in eastern Ukraine: Maternity hospital no. 25 and the Kharkiv Regional Perinatal Centre. These underground clinics will allow maternal and perinatal care to continue uninterrupted during attacks, while also providing patients and hospital personnel with safe shelter. Located in Ukraine’s north-east, not far from the border with Russia, Kharkiv is one of the cities which has been hardest hit by the continuing Russian attacks.
Ireland is also partnerning this year with Estonia to refurbish an Intensive Care Unit in Berdychiv City and to provide training to health care professionals at the hospital to build capacity for provide vital healthcare to the local population.
In addition, Ireland’s funding in 2025 includes support for the provision of school protection shelters, for Ukraine’s path to EU accession, for the provision of school meals in frontline districts, and critical supports for the country’s energy infrastructure which is being particularly targeted by Russian forces as winter sets in.
All supported projects respond to an identified need and are subject to in-depth and thorough appraisals to ensure Ireland provides the most effective support possible to those in need and which aligns with Ireland’s funding priorities.
I have asked officials to make contact with the Deputy's office to facilitate contact in relation to the proposal he has raised.
Question No. 181 answered with Question No. 180.
Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 180.
