Canadian prime minister has ‘every confidence’ in Irish investigation into alumina exports

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated he has "every confidence" in Ireland's ongoing investigation into alumina exports from the country to Russia. Speaking during a visit to Ireland, Carney highlighted that both Ireland and the European Union have been leading supporters of Ukraine in response to Russia's "unjustified aggressive war."

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I have every confidence in [the investigation].

His comments follow a March investigation by The Irish Times and other outlets, which revealed that an alumina refinery in Limerick was supplying significant quantities of alumina to Russian smelters. This alumina is used to produce aluminum, which is then sold to a trading company, ASK, that supplies numerous Russian arms manufacturers. Carney is scheduled to discuss the matter with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

The Department of Enterprise is currently conducting its own investigation, expected to conclude later this month. "I have every confidence in [the investigation]," Carney told reporters. He reiterated that Ireland and the EU are at the forefront of supporting Ukraine and that this stance will continue during Ireland's upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU.

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Ireland and the European Union have been at the forefront of supporting Ukraine in Russia’s unjustified aggressive war.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin affirmed that Ireland provides "no support to Russia's war machine." While sanctions are an EU matter, Martin noted the bloc has not yet sanctioned alumina. He added that Ireland would engage with the European Commission on the issue following its investigation. Carney also reflected on his Irish heritage, referencing poet W.B. Yeats and drawing on "indomitable Irishry" for strength in dealing with world leaders, emphasizing the importance of shared history and mutual respect for sovereignty in international relations.

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Ireland does not give “any support to Russia’s war machine”.