Ireland seeks legal advice on publishing sensitive Aughinish Alumina report amid sanctions probe

The Irish government is awaiting a report on Aughinish Alumina's potential violation of EU sanctions against Russia. Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke stated he expects the report within days, following a review led by his department with input from the Departments of Foreign Affairs and the Central Bank.

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With respect, I can’t go into evidence because it’s an independent inquiry, and for me to start looking at pieces and submissions into that inquiry would be totally inappropriate. It’s independent of me, and my officials in due course will give me the report, of which then I will obviously discuss with Government leaders and have a strong discussion with the commission.

This investigation was prompted by an Irish Times report detailing the Limerick plant's significant exports of raw materials to Russian smelters. These materials allegedly enter Russia's arms supply chain. The Central Statistics Office and Revenue are verifying export figures from the plant.

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I expect it will be shortly.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee confirmed that additional information from Ukrainian authorities prompted a delay in the report's finalization. While the exact nature of the shared information remains undisclosed, Burke emphasized the independent nature of the inquiry. He noted that publishing the report might be restricted due to "sensitive data," requiring consultation with the Attorney General's office.

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had been ready recently but as I said, there was further information provided