Aughinish report must be published before Dáil recess – Nash
Aughinish report must be published before Dáil recess - Nash - The Labour Party
Labour Finance Spokesperson Ged Nash TD has called on the Government to publish the long-awaited Departmental report into Aughinish Alumina before the Dáil recess next week, warning that any further delay is unacceptable given the serious allegations surrounding alumina exports to Russia.
Deputy Nash said:
“People in Ukraine continue to pay with their lives for Russia’s illegal war, while workers in Aughinish deserve certainty about their future and the communities that depend on the refinery deserve clear answers.
“This Government has allowed months to pass without publishing the findings of its investigation, despite the seriousness of the issues raised, evidence from media investigations and from Sweden, and despite repeated calls for action.
“The Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke told the Dáil today that he shares these concerns and committed to publishing the report within the next ten days. This has taken long enough already and Ireland’s reputation is in the international spotlight.
“The report must be published before the Dáil rises next Thursday. We cannot continue to delay while serious questions remain unanswered.
“The evidence already in the public domain has raised profound concerns about alumina exported from Ireland ending up in Russia.
“President Zelenskyy’s warning that every tonne of raw materials reaching Russia contributes to its war effort underlines the urgency of this issue.
“The direction of travel is clear, and of there is evidence that any Irish exports whatsoever are supporting Russia’s military capacity, Ireland has both a moral responsibility and the means and obligation to act.
“Yesterday’s vote in the European Parliament in favour of banning alumina exports to Russia demonstrates that momentum for action is growing across Europe. It has also exposed dangerous political divisions between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.
“Labour has consistently argued that Ireland can stop these exports while protecting workers and safeguarding Ireland’s strategic industrial capacity.
“That is why we have called for the temporary nationalisation of the refinery, working with the European Commission where necessary.
“The Minister’s response today did not provide any reassurance that the Government is preparing for that possibility. If they are not, that is a dereliction of their duty.
“Labour is calling on the Government to publish the report before the Dáil recess next week. Ireland’s solidarity with Ukraine and international reputation all demand decisive action. Government must act now.”