Irish alumina cannot be allowed fuel Putin’s war machine
Irish alumina cannot be allowed fuel Putin’s war machine - The Labour Party
- Enough excuses, Government must launch full investigation into Aughinish exports now
Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has called for an urgent State investigation into Aughinish Alumina amid mounting concerns that alumina produced in Ireland is continuing to enter Russia and contribute to the production of aluminium used by the Russian military. Deputy Smith said Government must stop talking out of both sides of its mouth on Ukraine and immediately establish the full scale of any exports from Ireland that are ending up in Russia. He called for Department officials and forensic accountants to be sent into the company to determine the extent of the trade and to develop an urgent response plan.
Deputy Smith said:
“Government cannot continue to present itself as a steadfast supporter of Ukraine while simultaneously allowing questions to persist about Irish-produced alumina ending up in Russia. Ministers have repeatedly condemned Russia’s illegal invasion and rightly spoken about solidarity with the Ukrainian people, yet they have gone out of their way to ensure that this company is exempt from Russian sanctions.
“The facts that have emerged are deeply troubling. It is black and white that alumina produced in Ireland is going into the Russian war machine. That is something we simply cannot accept. Government now appears to be parroting the company line that there is an internal investigation under way. An internal investigation is clearly not enough.
“No one is pretending this is a simple situation. We recognise that there are jobs involved and wider considerations. However, none of those factors can justify turning a blind eye if materials originating in Ireland are helping to sustain a regime that continues to bomb civilian infrastructure, attack cities and kill innocent civilians in Ukraine.
“We need urgent action now. Department officials and forensic accountants must be sent into the company to establish exactly how much alumina is moving from Ireland into Russia, either directly or indirectly. We need a clear public account of what has happened and a credible plan to ensure this cannot continue. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael must stop hiding behind company statements and start taking responsibility. Ireland cannot claim to stand with Ukraine while allowing material produced here to contribute to the Russian war machine.”