Government will work with EU on Aughinish, says minister

A Government minister has said Ireland will "absolutely work" with the EU to update sanctions on products exported to Russia if a still-awaited independent report into Limerick-based Aughinish Alumina site confirms products are being used by Russia's army.

Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora Neale Richmond confirmed the potential move, saying he believes the Government is taking the situation seriously and is "not stalling" on the matter.

Speaking on RTÉ's The Week in Politics programme, the Fine Gael TD said, when asked about what might happen once the still-awaited report is published, that "it's a very real challenge, we take it seriously, and that's why there's an investigation in place".

He said the EU has already agreed 20 sanctions packages against Russia, and that while alumina is not currently a sanctioned product, "if it was, we'll act accordingly".

Asked specifically if Ireland would support alumina exports to Russia being banned if the report confirms products are being used by Russia's army, Minister Richmond said this is ultimately a decision for the EU.

However, he said Ireland will "absolutely work" within any decision, including if there is a "need to update the sanctions".

Speaking on the same programme, Sinn Féin TD and social protection spokesperson Louise O'Reilly said "no person, if we walked out here and stopped people on the street, would be content that any Irish company has any part in the aggression" against Ukraine.

Deputy O'Reilly said she believes there is "some stalling from Government" on finalising the report into Aughinish Alumina, which several ministers have repeatedly said is due "shortly" and in "a number of weeks", and that she believes "nothing should be off the table".

However, Deputy O'Reilly said it is important to remember "there are jobs" at stake and that "people will be watching this wondering - is my job safe".

Social Democrats finance spokesperson Cian O'Callaghan agreed, saying he believes there is a dual need to act on the concerns and to "protect jobs and investment" by seeking out "alternative markets" for the Aughinish site, noting the company also provides items for "car making and so forth".

He said this was a move made by Australia two years ago and is possible, at which point Minister Richmond said Australia is not in the EU and therefore can act individually rather than making combined international bloc decisions.