FFG Policy To Deny Ukrainians Refugee Status Condemned In Dáil

During a Dáil debate yesterday, where FFG and some Independents shamefully voted to proceed with the abolition of the triple lock despite mass opposition, People Before Profit’s Richard Boyd Barrett made a fiery speech in which he condemned the Free State government’s new policy towards Ukrainian refugees. 

Deputy Barrett specifically condemned FFG’s acceptance of a European Union’s decision to forbid Ukrainians of fighting age, subjects of enforced conscription, from seeking asylum in Europe.

The new rules mean that Irish immigration officers will inspect the military documents of Ukrainian refugees, and refuse those who cannot provide “satisfaction of military obligations”. 

“And would you send young people to die in wars in which they didn't want to die? You're doing it right now. I was talking to Ukrainians who fled to this country because they don't want to fight for either Zelensky or Putin, and they've looked for refuge ”, said Deputy Barrett. 

“Now, if refuge is about anything, it's about providing refuge for people who don't want to fight in wars. But the Irish government is checking people's papers, and if they don't have a pass on conscription, they are being sent back to fight and die in a war they don't want to fight in. So you're doing it to the Ukrainians who you claimed you supported, who you're so concerned about, “ he continued, adding that "So would you do it to young Irish people? Yes, you would. Yes, you would. Just like you let the US military through Shannon to conduct a criminal war".

Just this week, Aontacht revealed, through a parliamentary question by People Before Profit’s Paul Murphy, that the Embassy of Ukraine requested details of all persons on temporary protection in Ireland back in February.  

There is currently no-visa entry to Ireland with a Ukrainian passport. However, there is no way to obtain the right of protection without military documents. This, in practice, means deportation after exceeding visa-free stay, as well as lack of employment rights. 

Hungary has refused to implement the EU directive, citing concerns over forced conscription and obligations under international rights. It is telling that “neutral” Ireland has celebrated this regressive policy. Ukrainians who do not want to die in a proxy war deserve the right of protection.

Widespread bribery for conscription avoidance under the Zelensky regime effectively means that FFG’s acceptance of the new measures turn protection of Ukrainians into social privilege for those who are able to pay, treating the most vulnerable as disposable material in the war egged on by EU/NATO.