Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence calls for expulsion of officials attached to Russian Embassy in Ireland

The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence has called for the expulsion of officials and operatives attached to the Embassy of Russia in Ireland in the wake Russia's recently announced sanctions on 52 Irish officials.

The Russian Ambassador has been summoned to the Department of Foreign Affairs by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney after Russia banned senior Government figures including An Taoiseach Michéal Martin and An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee from entering Russia because of Ireland's support for sanctions.

The statement issued by the Russian's Foreign Ministry also bans Oireachtas members including the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil Seán Ó Fearghail and several Senators and TDs.

Speaking on behalf of the Committee, Chairperson Deputy Charlie Flanagan said he wished to convey once again the Committee's unwavering support for Ukraine and its people at this time of crisis.

"The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence reaffirms its abhorrence and condemnation of Russian aggression in Ukraine and Russia's illegal and unacceptable invasion."

"In light of the reported sanctions on Irish Government ministers, Oireachtas members and other officials, the Joint Committee now calls for the expulsion from this jurisdiction of a number of officials and operatives currently attached to the embassy of Russia in Ireland. The staff complement of the Russian embassy in Ireland should align with the complement of staff assigned to the Irish embassy in Moscow."

ENDS