The Taoiseach says there is no guarantee Ireland won’t fall into recession due to the war in Ukraine.

Speaking after meeting with Irish businesses in the US this morning, Micheál Martin said forecast indicate the Irish economy will continue to grow – but warned the international situation is very uncertain.

He said the State doesn't have an estimate for how much the war is going to cost Ireland from a financial point of view.

He warned that Ireland entering recession is something which can't be completely ruled out.

“I can never promise anybody about economic cycles,” he said.

“We are an open, exporting economy so we export to markets like the US, like the EU that are big markets for us and if they come under pressure, invariably our companies don’t sell as much in terms of European consumers and industry and so on.”

Open market

Mister Martin said pressures on European and international marketplaces could make it harder to sell Irish goods.

He said officials are working with the EU on financial packages to avoid the economy falling into recession.

“Will there be a further European-wide fiscal stimulus or instrument used like we used in July of 2020 to try and ensure that we wouldn’t go into recession and we would maintain growth in the latter part of 2022?

“Now, that is a debate that will continue so no one can be certain about what will happen over the course of 2022.”

Military supplies

Meanwhile, Mr Martin again confirmed that Ireland will not be sending military supplies to Ukraine.

Ukraine President Volodomir Zelenskyy addressed the US Congress today and urged western powers to impose a no-fly zone over his country.

The Taoiseach said the UN can be a strong peacekeeping body but noted Russia's veto power.

He said Ireland is responding to the war strongly but won't be sending military aid.

“I think people are realistic and have a sense of perspective,” he said.

“Ireland is not a military power. Let’s call a spade a spade, we are not a military power. Our greatest strength is in the humanitarian side. Our greatest strength is in the peacekeeping side to be frank. That is what we do well – and also in terms of giving any supplies we can, which we have.”

Aid

Meanwhile, 7,235 Ukrainians have arrived in Ireland since the war began.

This includes people who have come to stay with family, and those accommodated by the State.

Ukrainians can access a range of supports from the state, including social welfare, the right to work and healthcare services.

Reporting from Sean Defoe in Washington