Tom Clonan: Why Ireland's alumina is arming Russia?
Tom Clonan challenges the Government over alumina exports to Russia and the implications for Ukraine, following a statement by Defence Minister Helen McEntee last night. He questions why reviews announced six weeks ago have not produced answers and raises alarms about Rusal's proposed expansion in the Shannon Estuary and reports of munitions transiting Irish airspace.
Tom Clonan outlines concerns that millions of tonnes of alumina exported from Ireland to Russian smelters in Krasnoyarsk are being turned into high-grade aluminium used in propulsion systems for reverse-engineered Shahed drones and in missile casings. He contrasts Ireland's public support for Ukraine with continued trade in a material now reported to have military applications.
Clonan draws attention to Rusal, reported to be owned by an oligarch connected to Vladimir Putin, and to its application to expand a bauxite tailings pit in the Shannon Estuary. He notes that Limerick residents have challenged that expansion and that the matter was heard before the High Court.
He also raises reports that cluster munitions banned in 2008 are being transported through Irish airspace to the Israeli military, potentially affecting areas where Irish troops operate. Clonan asks why Ireland does not inspect aircraft payloads despite receiving navigation fees from the taxpayers.
Clonan calls for clarity and immediate debate, saying he has repeatedly requested a Committee on Defence and National Security debate and demanding either the Minister or the Taoiseach answer why these questions are not being addressed. He accuses Ministers Byrne and McEntee of being out of their depth and demands situational awareness and action.
Alumina exports and military links
Tom Clonan outlines concerns that millions of tonnes of alumina exported from Ireland to Russian smelters in Krasnoyarsk are being turned into high-grade aluminium used in propulsion systems for reverse-engineered Shahed drones and in missile casings. He contrasts Ireland's public support for Ukraine with continued trade in a material now reported to have military applications.
Rusal, Shannon Estuary and local challenge
Clonan draws attention to Rusal, reported to be owned by an oligarch connected to Vladimir Putin, and to its application to expand a bauxite tailings pit in the Shannon Estuary. He notes that Limerick residents have challenged that expansion and that the matter was heard before the High Court.
Cluster munitions and airspace concerns
He also raises reports that cluster munitions banned in 2008 are being transported through Irish airspace to the Israeli military, potentially affecting areas where Irish troops operate. Clonan asks why Ireland does not inspect aircraft payloads despite receiving navigation fees from the taxpayers.
Calls for accountability
Clonan calls for clarity and immediate debate, saying he has repeatedly requested a Committee on Defence and National Security debate and demanding either the Minister or the Taoiseach answer why these questions are not being addressed. He accuses Ministers Byrne and McEntee of being out of their depth and demands situational awareness and action.
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Transcript
Go raibh maith agat, Cathaoirleach, and just to echo the congratulations to Senator Ryan. It's great news and I'm delighted for her. I want to raise the issue. Last night at 9.25pm, Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, made the following statement. She broadcast this statement on X. She said, I condemn the launch of hundreds of bombs and drones on Ukraine last night. And then concludes Ireland stands with Ukraine and for peace. And yet, over the last number of years, Ireland has exported millions of tonnes of alumina to Russian smelters in Krasnoyarsk, where the high-grade aluminium rods and bricks are used in the construction of the propulsion systems for reverse-engineered Shahed drones, for the casings of hypersonic missiles and missiles. So on the one hand, Ireland says we stand with Ukraine and we stand for peace. And on the other hand, we allow the export of this material. And I'm also, on the one hand, Ireland says we stand with Ukraine and we stand for peace. And on the other hand, we allow the export of this material. And I'm also concerned that Rusal, which is owned by an oligarch connected to Vladimir Putin, have applied for and have received permission to expand the red sludge bauxite pit of tailings and slurry that they have right in the Shannon Estuary, and which has now been challenged by Limerick residents and was heard before the High Court. Back in the 26th of March, Paul Cunningham of RTE reported that the minister announced that the government had initiated two reviews into the export of alumina, which is now being used in the killing of innocent Ukrainian civilians and defenders. That's six weeks ago. What's happening? And finally, I just want to say, again, it is reported that cluster munitions, which ironically were banned in an international convention in Ireland in Croke Park in 2008, that those munitions are being transported through Irish airspace to the Israeli military to be used in places like Wadi Bisbin, Margaz, Deir Sirian, all in and around Irish troops, where Irish troops are trying to protect the Lebanese civilians who are being ethnically cleansed. What country allows the export of alumina to Russia's war machine and says we stand with Ukraine? What country refuses to inspect or find the payload details of aircraft that Irish taxpayers are paying the navigation fees for, for weapons that will be used in and around young Irish men and women in the service of peace? We have a complete lack of situational awareness. I think the Ministers Byrne and McEntee are completely out of their depth. And I've asked over and over again, Ciannara, for a debate. We either get the Minister or the Taoiseach in here to decide why don't we have a Minister for Defence and why is the Committee on Defence and National Security not allowed to ask these questions? Go raibh maith agaibh. .