The Tánaiste has said he has not been involved in any discussions regarding a potential nationalisation of the Aughinish Alumina refinery in Co Limerick.
During a briefing with international journalists in Iveagh House, Simon Harris said he did not believe there was only a binary solution to the dilemma surrounding the plant, which has been accused of supplying tens of thousands of tonnes of alumina – a key component in the manufacture of aluminium – to the Russian war effort.
The company, which is owned by Rusal, a Russian conglomerate, has warned that any attempt to sanction the supply of alumina to Russia would result in the plant’s closure.
The Government is concluding an investigation into the refinery’s operations and has pledged to provide a report to the European Commission.
There have been concerns that the closure of the plant would hit the European supply chain for aluminium production, a key component in Europe’s automotive and aerospace industries.
The prospect of sanctioning either the plant or the shipment of alumina to Russia has been complicated by the fact that Rusal also owns the mines that provide bauxite, the ingredient which is converted into alumina.
Mr Harris told RTÉ News: “There have to be ways of addressing issues that enable crucial supply chains to continue into the European Union and enable an absolute clarity that there’s no indirect assistance in any manner of means to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s regime in relation to the war.
“I think we can work our way through both of those issues. I don’t think these things are binary at all, because Europe has shown time and time again how it has managed to put in place ways to protect our own economy, our own supply chains.”
Burke: Ireland could not tolerate alumina being used by Russian military
During the launch of Ireland’s EU Presidency yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an indirect reference to the Aughinish Alumina operation, referring to “companies in European countries whose only purpose is to work for Russia”, adding: “Unfortunately, there are companies in Europe that are owned or effectively controlled by Russia and its sanctioned oligarchs.
“They keep supplying the aggressor with essential materials, even now.”
In response to the Ukrainian president’s comments, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke said Mr Zelensky made the remarks “based on what evidence he has”.
“I haven’t got my investigation concluded as yet. Ireland, from our perspective, I would not think that’s the case,” Mr Burke said.
“I share the concern. I would be most concerned if any product is leaking into the Russian military complex, and as a State, we cannot tolerate that.
“But equally, I have an obligation to prove the authenticity of evidence that’s brought before me.”
Minister Burke separately said that the Government is “not exploring nationalisation”, and that his department is dealing with “Swedish authorities right now”, referencing Swedish tax investigations.
The minister said the independent report into Aughinish Alumina will be concluded “shortly”.
He declined to give an exact timeline, adding that “there are a number of clarifications” being sought, and that they are working with the Ukrainian authorities.
Govt ‘fully aware’ of facts around Aughinish, Social Democrats TD tells Dáil
The Tánaiste told the Dáil today that the Government’s investigation into the Aughinish Alumina refinery is “nearing finalisation”, and will conclude “very shortly”.
Mr Harris was responding to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan during Leaders’ Questions.
“We’ve received information from a variety of sources including the Ukrainian government,” Mr Harris said.
“That information is now being stress-tested.”
Cian O’Callaghan accused the Government of immoral foot-dragging
Mr Harris noted that it is the European Commission that proposes sanctions, not member states.
“I don’t think it’s a binary choice between supply chain and sanctions,” he added.
Deputy O’Callaghan accused the Government of “immoral… foot-dragging” on the issue.
He said that the Government is “fully aware” of the facts relating to Aughinish Alumina yet is “burying its head in the sand”.
He quoted President Zelensky’s remarks yesterday on EU materials being used by Russia to wage its war on Ukraine.
The deputy noted that Mr Zelensky had to leave Ireland early following the biggest attack on Kyiv since the war began.
Russia is raining “death, destruction and devastation” on Ukraine and using “raw materials manufactured in Ireland”, Deputy O’Callaghan stated.
Yet, he claimed, the Government has refused to act on available evidence.
“How much evidence do you need?” Deputy O’Callaghan asked.