Aughinish Alumina review finds no conclusive evidence of Russia weapons link
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the Department of Enterprise's review into Aughinish Alumina had not established conclusive evidence linking alumina produced at the Limerick plant to Russia's weapons industry.
Speaking in Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and newly appointed prime minister Serhii Koretskyi, Mr Martin said the Government's investigation had produced no definitive conclusions.
Mr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, called on the Irish Government to examine whether Aughinish Alumina could be sanctioned under Irish law.
The visit comes three weeks after Mr Zelenskyy travelled to Dublin for the start of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, when he urged the Irish Government to investigate reports concerning the Aughinish Alumina plant in Co Limerick.
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The Taoiseach confirmed at a joint press conference that he had briefed Mr Zelenskyy on the findings of the Department of Enterprise's investigation, which is nearing completion.
“The investigation has not found concrete or definitive evidence linking the alumina to a weapons manufacturer in Russia,” Mr Martin said.
“That said, neither has it found definitive evidence that alumina may not be going to weapons manufacturers. So, it's difficult.
“What we're going to do now is we're going to share the investigation with the European Commission, because this is both an Irish issue and a European issue in terms of alumina.”
Mr Martin said the Dunkirk refinery in France receives 70% of its raw material from Aughinish and described the Limerick plant as “important” to the European supply chain.
He added: “We've got to examine this in conjunction with the European Commission, which we will do.”
The Taoiseach said the Department of Enterprise had “sought and received” extensive information from Aughinish Alumina, including commercially sensitive material.
He said the company had been “adamant” that none of its alumina is supplied for weapons manufacturing, but acknowledged it remained difficult to determine definitively whether material ultimately reached that sector.
Mr Martin also indicated there may be “other approaches we can take” to prevent material reaching Russia.
Asked whether he wanted alumina included in the next package of European Union sanctions, expected to be discussed in September, Mr Zelenskyy said he had suggested to Mr Martin that Ireland should examine what action could be taken under domestic legislation.
“I do not know your internal Irish legislation. I have listed examples of what we've done in Ukraine, and it's probably incomparable,” the Ukrainian president said.
“But I was saying that something could be sanctioned at the EU level, and something could be done at the internal level if the law allows for that to happen.
“I'm not sure about the internal legislation [in Ireland], but in Ukraine, if a certain share of the enterprises was held by the Russians, we could sanction them so that the money does not go to Russia to support and sustain this war.”
Mr Zelenskyy said the “number one task” must be ensuring the material does not reach Russia for use in weapons manufacturing or to support the war effort.
Mr Martin and Mr Zelenskyy held a 30-minute tête-à-tête at Mariinskyi Palace, the Ukrainian president's official residence, before a further 30-minute meeting with their respective delegations.
At the joint press conference, Mr Zelenskyy thanked the Irish people and Government for their continued support since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"We are grateful to the people of Ireland because I'm aware that many, many of our people are there, and I'm aware of the warm, importantly, very warm attitude toward our people there,” he said.
“We appreciate that during Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union, you are here with us, with Ukraine. You support Ukraine.
“You see what's happening, and you understand the needs of our defence, the defence of life.”
The Taoiseach announced that Ireland will provide an additional €125 million to Ukraine this year, in addition to the €65 million already committed.
The funding will be used for non-lethal military assistance, including strengthening Ukraine's air defences, as well as protecting and restoring the country's critical energy infrastructure.
Mr Martin pledged Ireland's “steadfast and unwavering solidarity”, saying support for Ukraine is “as strong as it has ever been, and will continue to be for as long as it takes”.
He noted that 85,000 Ukrainians are living in Ireland and have “integrated into Irish society and are enriching our communities in many ways”.
“I have no doubt, though, that they will play an important role in rebuilding their country when it is safe to do so, should they choose to return,” the Taoiseach said.
“Ireland will always stand by Ukraine, and we will continue to push for a just and lasting peace for the people of Ukraine.”
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