The Ceann Comhairle, Mr Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD and Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Mr Mark Daly visited Ukraine on Friday last.

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This historic visit came after the President of Ukraine Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the Houses of the Oireachtas last month and was a direct invitation from the Speaker of the Rada, Mr Ruslan Stefanchuk.

The group had separate meetings with Mr Zelenskyy, the Prime Minister Mr Denys Shmyhal and also the Head of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Mr Ruslan Stefanchuk.

The group then had an opportunity to witness first-hand the consequences of the occupation of the towns of Bucha and Irpin by Russian armed forces when they were brought to the Church of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called and All Saints – the place of mass graves of civilians killed by the Russian occupiers in Bucha and then viewed the destruction caused by shelling and air strikes of the residential area in Irpin.

“On behalf of the Irish people I wish to thank you for conducting a defence of our shared international values," the Ceann Comhairle said.

"We in Ireland have welcomed many Ukrainian families, women and children seeking refuge from this barbaric war. Many have fled Ukraine having witnessed horrors that we can hardly comprehend. I assure you today that those Ukrainians coming to our shores will be cared for with kindness, deep respect and dignity.”

The Cathaoirleach added that he wished to "truly thank the leaders and people of Ukraine to allow this group the opportunity to fully gain an invaluable insight into this war".

"The damage and impact on this beautiful country both infrastructurally and psychologically will take a long time to heal. The Irish people stand with Ukraine and as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann I extend the hand of friendship and solidarity by inviting the Head of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Mr Ruslan Stefanchuk to speak in the Seanad at a date in the future."