FG MEPs to support ban on alumina exports to Russia

Fine Gael's MEPs will vote in favour of a non-binding European Parliament vote later this week to ban the export of alumina to Russia - with Ireland's 14 MEPs likely to be evenly split on the vote.

RTÉ News understands Maria Walsh, Regina Doherty, Seán Kelly and Nina Carberry made the decision during their weekly meeting in Strasbourg this evening.

The decision means they will vote in favour of the two identical amendments from the European People's Party group - of which Fine Gael is a member - and the Socialists and Democrats group to the 2025 European Commission report on Ukraine at the parliament on Wednesday.

While non-binding and not specifically mentioning Aughinish Alumina, the votes are widely seen as an attempt to increase political pressure on Ireland over the situation at the Co Limerick site.

They will also come a day after a debate on Ukraine, which in turn takes place hours after Taoiseach Micheál Martin addresses the European Parliament tomorrow about Ireland's EU presidency priorities.

The Fine Gael vote is likely to mean Ireland's 14 MEPs will be split on the alumina export ban non-binding votes.

Although Fianna Fáil's four MEPs, Billy Kelleher, Barry Cowen, Cynthia Ni Mhurchu and Barry Andrews, will not decide until tomorrow, it is likely they will vote against the amendments.

This is believed to be in part due to concerns over jobs at Aughinish and the fact the independent report commissioned by Ireland's Department of Enterprise is not yet complete.

Labour's Aodhán Ó Riordáin has confirmed he will vote in favour of the amendments, while Sinn Féin's Lynn Boylan told RTÉ News her party is also in favour of banning alumina export to Russia, although both have also stressed the need to ensure people working there are protected.

Sinn Féin's other MEP, Kathleen Funchion, will not attend Strasbourg this week for unrelated personal reasons.

Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly has told RTÉ News he is voting against the amendments until there is more clarity on what happens to the Irish jobs, and a clear answer to where Aughinish Alumina produce is used.

Independent MEP Michael McNamara said he will vote against the amendment, and questioned if it should also be focused on alumina use in Ukrainian drones.

At the time of publication, Independent MEP Luke Ming Flanagan has yet to respond to a question on how he will vote.