Russia is demanding an apology from the Irish Government and wants the taxpayer to cover the cost of damage caused to the gate of its embassy.
And the Irish ambassador to Moscow, Brian McElduff, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry in Moscow and has been “strongly reprimanded,” according to The Russian News Agency, TASS.
Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond said the Russian ambassador here should reflect on the “murderous invasion” of Ukraine rather then be concerned about getting his gate fixed.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Mr Richmond said: “The notion that the Irish state should apologise or offer compensation is ridiculous.
“The Ambassador would be better off reflecting on his country’s murderous invasion of Ukraine rather than repair work to his gate.”
And he has reiterated calls for the Russian ambassador, Yury Filatov, to be expelled along with 30 other diplomats currently living here.
Lorry driver Desmond Wisley, 49, appeared in court in Dublin on Tuesday charged with criminal damage and dangerous driving in connection with the crash.
He was granted bail on the condition that he stays away from the embassy at Orwell Road, Rathmines and has no contact with staff.
Russia’s State-owned news agency has reported that the ministry is demanding an “official apology” from the Irish Government and “full compensation for the damage caused.”
Asked about the Russian demand for compensation, a spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said: “The Minister is at the UN Security Council discussing the death of civilians in Ukraine and a caravan of two million refugees in Europe.
"The incident at the embassy is now a criminal matter before an independent court.”
When asked about Russia demanding an apology from the Irish Government, a spokesman for the Taoiseach said he wasn’t aware of “any request for an apology.”
He said it is important to allow all embassies to “operate safely” and ultimately, keeping diplomatic channels open helps protect Irish citizens across the world.
