MEP Barry Cowen hits out at Independent Ireland ‘ball of money’ comments over Ukraine funding

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Cowen has criticised Independent Ireland over its opposition to a further €25 million in Irish funding for Ukraine's energy infrastructure. He said that the party fails to recognise the wider implications of Russia's war for European and Irish security.

Zelenskyy is in Ireland for a bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Micheal Martin, and also to participate, along with several leaders from Europe, in the 9th European Political Community Summit, in Dublin.

A Midlands North-West MEP, Cowen was responding to comments from Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins TD, who questioned the Government's latest contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund and said: “Every time Zelenskyy visits Ireland, it seems he leaves with another ball of Irish taxpayers' money. This time it's another €25 million.”

Deputy Collins’ comments come as the European Parliament today votes on a resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional return of Ukrainian children forcibly deported or transferred by Russia, with almost 21,000 cases documented since the beginning of the war.

The resolution also calls for greater international efforts to locate missing children, reunite them with their families and hold those responsible accountable. Separately, MEPs are debating further sanctions against Russia, including measures to restrict the financial resources available to sustain its war against Ukraine.

Speaking from the European Parliament, Cowen said: “On the very day that Independent Ireland's Ciarán Mullooly MEP, myself and our colleagues in the European Parliament are voting to demand the return of some 21,000 Ukrainian children forcibly deported or transferred by Russia, we get more of this populist ‘us versus them’ claptrap from his party at home.

“Frankly, I couldn’t believe the language I saw from Independent Ireland... The €25 million being criticised by Independent Ireland is not some blank cheque being handed to President Zelenskyy. It is funding for vital energy infrastructure, helping to restore electricity and heating to Ukrainian homes, hospitals and businesses following sustained Russian attacks.

“Of course, Irish families are facing genuine pressures when it comes to energy bills, housing and the cost of living. Nobody is disputing that. But the suggestion that supporting Ukrainian families somehow comes at the expense of Irish families is a false choice.

“When will Independent Ireland and the likes understand that supporting Ukraine is also an investment in Europe's, and Ireland's, own security?

“If Ukraine loses this war, the consequences will not stop at Ukraine's borders. Other countries on Europe's eastern flank will face a heightened security threat, with profound implications for European stability, investment, trade and the Single Market on which Ireland's economy depends so heavily.

“Yet some politicians at home continue to treat international affairs as though they have no bearing whatsoever on the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Irish people.

“That reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the geopolitical realities we face and of just how closely Ireland's security and prosperity are tied to those of our European neighbours.

“We can and must continue to address the challenges facing Irish households while standing alongside Ukraine. These are not competing responsibilities.”