Ireland supports Ukraine's aspirations to become a member of the EU and is also ready to be an advocate of our country's European aspirations.
This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olga Stefanishyna following a meeting with the country's authorities.
She met with Irish President Michael D. Higgins, Prime Minister Michal Martin and the speakers of both houses of parliament and the head of the interparliamentary friendship group.
“It is important that we approve Ukraine's application for EU candidate status. Accession may take a long time, but it would be a very important decision and a strong signal to the Ukrainian people that they are part of the European family,” said the Prime Minister of Ireland press conference.
Olga Stefanishyna thanked the country's authorities for their support and assistance to refugees from Ukraine.
Thus, according to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Ireland has abolished visas for all citizens of Ukraine and decided to provide shelter where people will have access to free education, and medicine and will be able to work on the same terms as EU citizens.
Stefanishyna also called on the Irish authorities to support the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war.
Also, the Irish Senate recently recognized russia's war against Ukraine as genocide.
In May, the speakers of the two houses of the Irish Parliament visited Irpen and Bucha.