Government will work with EU on Aughinish, says minister

Ireland is prepared to work with the European Union to update sanctions on products exported to Russia if an independent report confirms that the Limerick-based Aughinish Alumina site's products are being used by Russia's army. Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora Neale Richmond confirmed this potential course of action.

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it's a very real challenge, we take it seriously, and that's why there's an investigation in place.

Richmond stated that the government is taking the situation seriously and is not delaying action. He explained that while alumina is not currently a sanctioned product under the EU's 20 sanctions packages against Russia, Ireland will "act accordingly" if it becomes one. He emphasized that any decision to ban alumina exports to Russia would ultimately be an EU matter, but Ireland would "absolutely work" within such a decision.

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if it was, we'll act accordingly

Speaking on the same program, Sinn Féin TD Louise O'Reilly expressed that no one would be content with any Irish company contributing to the aggression against Ukraine. She voiced concerns about potential government stalling in finalizing the report on Aughinish Alumina, which has been repeatedly promised "shortly." O'Reilly stressed that "nothing should be off the table" but also acknowledged the significant number of jobs at stake.

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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.

Social Democrats finance spokesperson Cian O'Callaghan echoed these sentiments, highlighting the dual need to address the concerns and protect jobs. He suggested exploring "alternative markets" for the Aughinish site's products, noting that the company also supplies materials for car manufacturing. Richmond countered that Australia, which made a similar move, is not part of the EU and can therefore act independently, unlike bloc members who must make combined decisions.

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there are jobs" at stake and that "people will be watching this wondering - is my job safe