The first item on the agenda is the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting, a discussion with the Minister of State with special responsibility for European Affairs, Deputy Noel Treacy. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome the Minister of State and his officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Minister of State may make the presentation, following which I will open up the discussion to allow questions from members.
General Affairs and External Relations Council: Ministerial Presentation.
I am very pleased to meet members again for an exchange of views on the forthcoming meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council. Next Monday's meeting in Brussels will be the first under the Finnish Presidency. My Government colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, will represent Ireland at the GAERC. The Finnish Government has already made an energetic start to its six months in charge of the Union's business and it goes without saying that Ireland stands ready to assist in any way we can in the months ahead. The Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, visited Helsinki on the eve of the Finnish Presidency, where he had a worthwhile meeting with Prime Minister Vanhanen. He took the opportunity to put across our views on the principal issues on the Presidency's agenda.
I propose to deal first with the items on the general affairs agenda before moving on to the external relations issues. Foreign Minister Tuomoja will make a presentation to his colleagues at the GAERC on the priorities of the Finnish Presidency. This item will be dealt with during a public session of the General Council. This session forms part of the Union's strategy of providing more public access to the Council business in the interests of greater transparency and enhanced public understanding of the way the European Union works and what it does to serve the interests of all European citizens.
There are four broad policy priorities for Finland's Presidency. These are the future of the European Union, competitiveness, external relations and justice and home affairs. We agree that these are all important issues for the European Union and we look forward to working with the Finnish Presidency in these sectors. Among the highlights of the Finnish Presidency will be the planned informal summit in October next, which is expected to focus on innovation and energy. The December European Council is expected to have enlargement as its centrepiece.
In the customary Presidency speech to the European Parliament, which took place on 5 July, Prime Minister Vanhanen set out Finland's detailed agenda for its Presidency. A copy of that speech has been sent to the committee.
Illegal immigration has been added to the agenda at the request of Malta. It relates to the follow-up to the Euro-African Conference on migration and development which took place in Rabat, Morocco, earlier this week. I had the privilege of representing Ireland at the Rabat conference which was an important event in view of the increasing significance of migration, legal and illegal, on the European Union's agenda. There has recently been a surge in illegal migration to a number of countries, including Spain and Malta. This is a source of increased public concern throughout Europe. It is clearly a problem for the European Union as a whole, not only for those countries which are directly affected by this illegal influx.
The migration conference sought to agree a political declaration and an action plan designed to create a close partnership between the various countries involved. The conference's focus was on migration routes in north, central and west Africa and in Europe. The intention is to try to manage migratory flows while respecting the rights of migrants and addressing structural development issues involved. The action plan provides for measures in such areas as migration and development, legal and illegal migration, police and judicial co-operation and assistance for victims.
A further meeting on the subject of migration and development is planned for Tripoli later this year, as part of the European Union's Euro-African dialogue. The wider international community will focus on these issues at the United Nations high level dialogue on migration and development in New York in September next.
The European Union's global strategy on migration stresses the need for a more balanced, global and coherent approach covering policies to combat illegal immigration and to harness the benefits of legal migration. It recognises that migration issues are a central element in EU relations with a broad range of third countries and aims to strengthen dialogue and co-operation with these countries on migration issues.
Ireland agrees with the need to approach migration in a global context. Initiatives which seek to improve co-operation between countries of origin, transit and destination are to be welcomed and encouraged. Our approach places emphasis on tackling poverty, political instability and corruption. This is the best way in which we can deal with the many problems posed by illegal migration.
The recent WTO ministerial meeting in Geneva did not result in a breakthrough in any area of these ongoing negotiations. Members of the committee will recall that at the WTO's sixth ministerial meeting, which was held in Hong Kong from 13 to 18 December last, it had been agreed that negotiations would continue at official level in Geneva, with the aim of reaching agreement by the end of 2006 on the modalities for concluding the negotiations on agriculture and the non-agricultural market access or NAMA, as it is known. Modalities could be described as templates or formulas for later detailed discussions on tariff reductions. As it turned out, the hoped for agreement on modalities by the end of April last did not prove possible. The WTO Director General, Mr. Pascal Lamy, decided to convene a meeting of Ministers at the end of June in the hope that this would secure the desired breakthrough, but this did not prove possible.
This latest failure to reach agreement on modalities is to be regretted. This does not signal that the negotiations are doomed to ultimate failure. Commissioner Mandelson said in a recent interview that an inability to reach agreement by the end of July would not mean a definitive failure, for the Doha Development Round. He added, however, that this would certainly make the process more complicated.
The reality is that the European Union has, at all times, shown good faith in trying to make progress in the WTO negotiations. Last October the Union made a very significant offer on agriculture. Subsequently, at the WTO ministerial meeting in Hong Kong it agreed to eliminate agricultural export subsidies by 2013. This particular EU offer is strictly conditional on the parallel elimination of or the imposition of disciplines on other forms of export support by our trading partners, including the United States of America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
It is impossible to say how the WTO negotiations will progress in the coming months. From September onwards the negotiating position of the United States may well be influenced by the mid-term congressional elections there. In addition, the US Administration's trade negotiating authority is due to expire 12 months from now and there is no guarantee that Congress will renew it. It remains to be seen if the United States will be in a position to make an improved offer on its domestic agricultural subsidies.
Members can rest assured that the Government attaches the highest importance to protecting and promoting Ireland's interests in the current round of trade negotiations, particularly in the agricultural area. The Taoiseach, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Agriculture and Food and the Minister with responsibility for trade have availed of every opportunity to stress Ireland's insistence that the EU offer of 28 October 2005 has gone to the limits of the Union's agreed negotiating mandate. We have insisted that no concessions can be made which would call into question the reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy, as agreed and implemented in 2003. The Government will maintain its firm and consistent approach to these negotiations at all times.
Up until now, the European Community's external action spending has been funded from a plethora of diverse instruments and budget lines which were developed in a rather ad hoc manner. In September 2004 the European Commission proposed that all such expenditure should be rationalised and simplified under one heading and implemented under six instruments, one of which was to have been the development co-operation and economic co-operation instrument. Originally, the Commission had intended that the instrument would cover both developing and developed countries. However, last year the European Parliament rejected the Commission’s proposal, partly on account of the fact that it wished to see a separate instrument for development. Negotiations in the meantime have been difficult and protracted but there has recently been a welcome breakthrough. Last week in Brussels the EU Presidency revealed that the European Parliament had agreed to a single development co-operation instrument based solely on Article 179 of the treaty. Ireland can be well satisfied with this, as it meets all of the important concerns we have had throughout the negotiations. We were anxious that the development instrument would not be used to fund other areas of the Community’s external policies. We were also determined to ensure the regulation would have poverty reduction at its core. This is reflected in the latest Presidency draft which specifies that the “primary and overarching objective of such co-operation shall be the eradication of poverty in partner countries and regions in the context of sustainable development, including pursuit of the millennium development goals, as well as the promotion of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights”. While discussions in Brussels are ongoing, Council agreement on the matter is expected in October or November this year.
The Council will discuss Sudan and adopt conclusions on the matter. It is likely to reiterate its support for the Darfur peace agreement and call on all parties to honour it, while recognising that important issues need to be dealt with more fully in its implementation. The European Union supports the African Union mission in Sudan, AMIS, but agrees with the African Union on the need for transition to a UN force as the only way to ensure long-term security in Darfur.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, is likely to intervene and inform EU partners about his recent visit to Sudan, to which he travelled from 2 to 5 July. During that time he met Foreign Minister Lam Akol and UN special representative Jan Pronk, as well as members of humanitarian organisations who are active in Darfur. He also visited an internally-displaced persons camp in Darfur. He made clear to the Sudanese Government our support for transition to a UN force and the need for it to meet its obligations under the Darfur peace agreement, in particular the disarming of the Janjaweed militias.
Ireland has been especially concerned about obstacles to the movement of humanitarian organisations in Darfur, an issue which the Minister raised strongly with Foreign Minister Akol. Later, in Ethiopia, he discussed the Darfur peace agreement with the chairman of the African Union commission, Alpha Oumar Konare. They agreed on the need to continue to urge the Government of Sudan to accept transition to a UN force.
The General Affairs Council will discuss the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, and is expected to adopt conclusions on the matter. The presidential and parliamentary elections planned for 30 July in the Democratic Republic of Congo will be the first multi-party elections held in the country for over 40 years. Over 25 million people have registered to vote. In a country the size of western Europe ensuring the election runs smoothly is a huge logistical challenge. Ireland has contributed €1.3 million towards the holding of the elections, while the European Union has contributed some €235 million overall. The Union will also deploy a 250-member election observation mission which will include two Irish participants. This is the largest such mission deployed by the Union to date and a measure of how seriously the elections are being taken. The establishment of a stable and democratic government in the Democratic Republic of Congo would greatly advance the peace and security of the Great Lakes region which has been plagued by conflict for far too long.
Discussions in respect of the western Balkans will focus mainly on Kosovo. As the committee will be aware, a process is under way to determine the future status of Kosovo, which has been under UN responsibility since the end of the conflict in 1999. Last year the UN Secretary General appointed the former Finnish President, Martti Ahtisaari, as special envoy for the Kosovo status process. Mr. Ahtisaari will be present at the Council for the discussion and will give Ministers his assessment. Before that, on 13 July, he is scheduled to report to the UN Security Council. In general, negotiations on so-called technical or status-neutral issues such as the protection of religious sites and the protection of minorities within Kosovo through the decentralisation of power have been slow. There is a growing sense among the international community that the time has come to move on to the fundamental issue and reach a conclusion before the end of this year.
Reference is likely to be made in the discussions to the implications for Kosovo of events in Serbia. Ireland is of the view that the Kosovo situation must be addressed on its merits. At the same time, it is clearly important, as was agreed at the European Council, that moderate and democratic forces within Serbia be encouraged and that their European perspective be kept alive. However, Serbia must also help itself. It must fulfil the conditions on co-operation with the Hague tribunal to enable the negotiations for a stabilisation and association agreement to be resumed. This committee will recall that co-operation with the tribunal was the issue on which stabilisation and association agreement talks with Serbia were suspended on 3 May last. Prime Minister Kostunica has been invited to Brussels to meet the EU Troika, that is, the Presidency, the future Presidency and the European Commission, on the evening of the General Affairs Council.
The Council will pay special attention to developments in the Middle East peace process, focusing on the situation in the occupied territories, which continues to deteriorate. The European Union is seriously concerned that Israel has not acted on the repeated calls for the exercise of maximum restraint and the avoidance of disproportionate military action. The Government and its EU partners are maintaining contact with the Israeli Government and the Palestinians in order to convey a clear message on the dangers of the current situation. The kidnapped Israeli soldier, Corporal Gilad Shalit, should be released immediately and unconditionally. I understand that two further Israeli soldiers have been abducted this morning and, on behalf of the Government, I also call for their immediate release. All parties have a duty to exercise maximum restraint and to pursue every possible diplomatic opportunity for a peaceful outcome to the current crisis, without further death and suffering.
We are extremely concerned about the impact of ongoing military action on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Israeli Government has a right and a duty to provide for the security of its citizens. However, this must not be at the expense of the rights and the welfare of the Palestinian people. There is a very real risk of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The important point now is that there be an end to all violence, from whatever source, in and emanating from the occupied territories.
There will be no military solution to the current crisis, or to the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The European Union remains firmly committed to the promotion of a negotiated two-state solution and will discourage both parties from the pursuit of unilateral actions. There is no alternative to political dialogue based on acceptance of fundamental principles. We have been very critical of the arrests of large numbers of democratically-elected Palestinian legislators, including members of the Hamas Government. Unless they face serious charges, they should be released without any further delay.
The current crisis in Gaza provides clear evidence of the danger of allowing the political process to stall. The Quartet road map may effectively be in abeyance at this time, but it is important to stress that it embodies the essential principles and practical steps, to which both sides must commit if there is to be a peaceful settlement. The European Union will continue to set out the obligations which the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority must meet, under the roadmap and under international law.
We strongly support the efforts of President Mahmoud Abbas to engage with Hamas on the basis of the conditions set out by the international community since the democratic Palestinian elections in January last. It remains essential that Hamas commits to the peace process. We welcome the encouraging signs of agreement, between the different Palestinian groups, on a national platform of peace, which must involve commitment to a two-state solution. Inevitably, progress has stalled due to the violence in Gaza. However, the European Union will continue to support President Abbas in his efforts to complete the internal Palestinian political process. Although it appears the reported terms of the Palestinian agreement would not meet the conditions set out by the European Union and the Quartet, I stress the Government's commitment that if there is significant movement in this direction by Hamas, together with an absence of violence, we will argue strongly for an appropriate EU response.
The Council will also review progress on the establishment of the temporary international mechanism for the channelling of humanitarian assistance directly to the Palestinian people. The mechanism is now beginning to operate on the basis of an allocation of €105 million in Community funding which brings the total amount of assistance to the Palestinians administered by the European Commission to €259 million so far this year.
Discussions on Iran will focus on the progress of contacts between High Commissioner Xavier Solana and Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, on the package of incentives presented to Iran last month. The issue will be also discussed at this weekend's G8 summit. Ireland fully supports the consensus EU approach led by the E3 and Mr. Solana. This has been central to maintaining hopes for a diplomatic solution. It is time for Iran to respond but signs of prevarication are not encouraging. Iran should immediately suspend all uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities, just as the E3 and their partners have suspended moves within the UN Security Council. It is a good and wide-ranging package, on which Iran should engage constructively and positively.
Ministers will review the situation in Iraq, focusing on the practical support which the European Union can give to the new national unity government. The Iraqi Government has reached agreement with the UN Secretary General on the launch of a new international compact for Iraq to mobilise international support for the consolidation of peace and the pursuit of long-term economic, social and political development. In the past three years the European Union has provided over €700 million in funding for reconstruction in Iraq and it is determined to work closely with the new government in support of its national priorities. The terrible sectarian violence in Baghdad and other parts of the country in recent days highlights the serious challenges facing the new government as it seeks to maintain national unity and rebuild the economic and social infrastructure. In June I was honoured to meet the cross-party delegation of Iraqi politicians who visited Ireland and also met many Members of the Oireachtas. I salute their courage and determination in working together to rebuild their country after decades of dictatorship and war. The Government will continue to play its part in ensuring the European Union gives every possible support to the development of a truly democratic Iraq.
That concludes the agenda. I will be very happy to listen to the views of the committee and take any questions members might have on those items due to be discussed at next Monday's General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting.
I thank the Minister of State who touched on an issue I wish to raise — illegal immigration. My question has to do with legal and illegal immigration as it pertains to criminals crossing borders within Europe. The free movement of workers has made it easier for criminals to move around. At a recent meeting of the Committee of Public Accounts the Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform made it clear that in many ways our system was porous with regard to immigration controls. If people are determined enough, they will succeed in getting into the country. From our conversations with parliamentarians in other member states, it has become clear there is a slight relationship — non-existent in some cases — between police forces in other member states and the Garda Síochána. The Garda Commissioner has made it clear and accepted that in some cases there is no relationship in the ongoing tracking of criminals between Ireland and other EU member states, an issue to which the Minister of State referred in his presentation. What structure will be put in place to facilitate meetings between police forces in other member states and the Garda Síochána?
When Deputy Allen and I were in Romania and Bulgaria recently, we asked about these issues. We raised some issues regarding the trafficking of people from those countries throughout Europe. While I cannot speak for Deputy Allen, I certainly got the sense that there was not enough co-operation between the Garda Síochána and other police forces, including those two countries that will soon become members of the European Union.
What kinds of relationships are there between those countries that account for the largest numbers of EU migrants, for example, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia? For some time it has been clear that in the case of, I believe, Lithuania, there have been Lithuanian gangs operating in Ireland. We have seen recent cases of Lithuanian nationals being kidnapped by Lithuanian gangs. We have seen a type of crime emerging to which we are not used. What steps are being taken to further the relationships between the police forces here and in the countries from which the migrants originate?
Migration has been a constant in world evolution and global matters for centuries. Ireland has suffered from the migration of our people for centuries. It was a serious loss of human capital for our country and resulted in a serious threat of depopulation here until at least the 1980s. Ireland is an example of the impact migration can have. Conversely in our modern economy as a result of the enlargement of the European Union and the growth of our economic operations here there is considerable migration of people here. The Government took a clear decision that as members of the European Union we would allow citizens of the new member states to work freely in Ireland, which has worked to our advantage. They have made a hugely positive contribution to economic growth here. They have added to our workforce and have brought new skills and a new approach. They have helped turn our country into a multicultural society.
As with other countries, Ireland operates on the basis of trust. We trust society, people, laws, institutions and agencies, and we trust people to respect these. Obviously, there is a minority in society that exists to exploit others and particular situations. As a result, there is a serious problem of illegal migration across the world. Ireland has always been very committed to ensuring that we respect human rights, the dignity of the person and the mobility of that person. As part of the European Union we see the challenge of illegal migration as one that no country can manage alone. It is a matter for Ireland, within the European Union, to work as a collective group to ensure we can manage it together. In addition through our membership of the European Union we recognise that we cannot manage it on our own without a partnership with the countries from which the greatest migration comes, particularly those in Africa.
We have been working through the European Union to get both the European Union and the African Union to understand their responsibilities and collaborate together. I referred to the conference held in the past two days in Rabbas, at which we made a political declaration and agreed an action plan. Free movement of people within the European Union is of tremendous benefit to Europeans and we do not want to lose those benefits. They are very important for Ireland and Europe. There is also the potential downside, as mentioned by the Chairman, of crime and human trafficking. We need more police co-operation. We want to keep the benefits of free movement while covering the abuses. The conference in Rabbas agreed on greater police co-operation, the details of which need to be worked out. We have just agreed a political formula on how to proceed. There will be another conference shortly in Tripoli, again involving the European Union and the African Union.
The Deputy referred to serious occurrences in this country. I received information on a kidnapping that allegedly happened in the past month which I brought to the attention of the Government and the Garda. It turned out that the allegations were based on fact and that somebody who objected to the presence of foreign individuals had sent a text message to a particular radio station with a view to creating a story that the kidnapping had taken place. The case is being examined.
One should be certain that the Garda, in co-operation with Europol within the European Union, is doing everything it can. Ireland and the United Kingdom have a common travel area. In this context, they work very closely to minimise the opportunities for illegal migrants to enter the country, particularly those with a history of engaging in illegal activities. The common travel area is very important, particularly between Northern Ireland and the Republic, and is recognised by the Schengen Agreement.
We have always been mindful of the threat and challenges presented and done our utmost at national and international level to ensure we co-operate in the legal and political fields to minimise the seriousness of the risks posed and take account of the rights of those who, through economic necessity and owing to human rights abuses, want to move to where there are economic opportunities, just as Irish people have done for centuries. Balancing these considerations presents a great challenge which we must recognise nationally and internationally. In co-operation with the European Union, we are addressing it in a very focused way and optimistic that the process can be structured in a way that is most conducive to ensuring human rights and economic opportunities for all.
Let me refer specifically to the 25 member states of the European Union and the two prospective member states, rather than the migratory flows from Africa. It has been acknowledged by the Garda Commissioner that there is not a reasonable relationship between our police force and those in the aforementioned countries. We know exactly where new migrants are coming from. Most are from Poland; the rest are mainly from Lithuania, Latvia and Slovakia. I am not sure our relationship with the police forces in those countries has been sufficiently developed.
I welcome the initiative taken. The step taken with regard to the recent conference is a good one but, rather than solely consider north or west Africa, we should also develop relationships with other member states, not just by way of conventional intra-jurisdictional methods involving Europol and Interpol. We should create better links between our police force and those in other member states.
I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive and detailed contribution. I apologise for missing the first five minutes of the minutes but I had to attend a Front Bench meeting that clashed with this one.
Let me refer to the conclusions arrived at at the previous Council meeting which we have not examined in any great detail. On page 8 of the conclusions which concern the preparations for accession conferences it is noted that the Council agreed on an EU composition with a view to arranging the accession conference with Turkey on 12 June. At a number of meetings of this committee concern was expressed that the thorny problem of the non-recognition of Cyprus had not been solved. If we do not deal with this issue sooner rather than later, it will be appear as if the negotiations had been held on quicksand.
I visited Turkey and have an open mind on whether we can proceed to a final agreement. I am not foolish enough to believe we can proceed to negotiations without dealing with Turkey's affront to an EU member state. I am amazed that there is no reference to it. There is an agreement to open and close negotiations regarding the science and research chapters of the accession negotiations. At no point, however, is there any indication that the ongoing cancer in the negotiations will be excised. Will the Minister of State give his views on this?
With such a broad canvas, the temptation is to speak on every matter. I wish to focus on several items. The Taoiseach made a statement on what will happen after the accession of Bulgaria and Romania. Having visited these two states, large efforts have been made by both to meet the outstanding issues in the report of the Commissioner with responsibility for enlargement. The main question is what will happen after accession. The Taoiseach said, in chastising some of our neighbours for not opening their borders to the ten new accession member states, that he holds an open mind in respect of Bulgarian and Romanian workers. In Sofia I got the distinct impression that some understanding has been reached between the Bulgarian and Irish Governments on the opening up of our borders to Bulgarian workers. Will the Minister of State give an update on what the current attitude in these two countries is to this? When we reach an agreement, what will be the basis for a decision on opening borders? Do we have the required statistics from our agencies in order to reach an informed decision? Will we be obliged to ask the Bulgarian and Romanian authorities for reports and studies they have undertaken in respect of the movement of workers?
The Taoiseach and the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Foreign Affairs, Deputies Roche and Dermot Ahern, commented on yesterday's announcement in London on the United Kingdom's energy policy. A paper on a future European energy policy was recently published. I am concerned that while we are considering an EU approach to energy issues, some member states are going it alone. For example, Germany recently entered into a bilateral agreement with Russia on energy supplies. The United Kingdom is proposing to go down a certain route regarding alternative energy sources, particularly the nuclear option. There is no mention of it on the agenda for next week's GAERC meeting. It is one of the pressing issues which Finland has highlighted as one of its priorities.
We cannot proceed without condemning what is happening in the Middle East. I do not intend to discuss the rights and wrongs of kidnapping but the war of attrition against a civil population cannot be allowed to continue. Linked to that is the insult to Christendom at Bethlehem which must be addressed.
I agree with Deputy Allen in respect of Turkey. The Government's mind is open. Drawing on my experience of European meetings, I also hold an open mind. We have agreed to consultation, negotiation and discussion on the Turkish situation and made our position clear. The Commission is to report in the autumn on implementation of the Ankara Protocol and it has been made absolutely clear to Turkey that it must address all the different issues in it.
The normalisation of relations with all EU countries is essential if the negotiations are to advance. In all bilateral meetings in Ireland and in all our utterances at EU level, we have made our position very clear to Turkey. We are also pleased that progress will be made regarding the dialogue in Cyprus, which, under the aegis of the United Nations, was recently resumed with both sides. That is an extremely positive step. It is a matter for the United Nations, but the European Union has a considerable interest in the situation. We will certainly keep a close eye on developments.
Regarding the common position, as part of the Lisbon Agenda the European Union is very much committed to the economy, both internally and in adjoining countries with which we have bilateral relations. In the interests of science, technology, research, innovation and development, we obviously wish to ensure a common position to maintain opportunity, increase standards, generate new economic growth and furnish innovative possibilities for greater job creation and economic action in the European Union. Turkey clearly has a great deal of intellectual capital and the European Union has an interest. A common position has been adopted in that specific area. While that adopts no legal or political stance on Turkey's overall application, it ensures that we co-operate with the country in a much stronger fashion bilaterally. That is in everyone's interest and in the long term it will be good for both the European Union and Turkey, as well as globally. There will be full analysis of the situation.
The second point raised concerned Bulgarian and Romanian workers. I completely agree that Bulgaria and Romania are making great efforts to meet all the conditions, chapters and criteria. At our previous meeting, I clearly detailed the success of their efforts heretofore. We fully support their membership of the European Union and are confident that they will make the final breakthrough, reaching the required standards and securing validation. We have worked closely with them and wish them every success.
No decision has been made on the free movement of workers. As a sovereign state within the European Union, we have no intention of pre-empting a decision of the Union as a whole. We could not do so because it would be totally unfair. We have not reached any common understanding with either country regarding such workers. We will make our decision after the European Union has decided in the autumn. A full analysis of all considerations will be taken into account, including our labour market needs and the likely numbers wishing to move to Ireland. On all such issues, we are constantly in touch with the two countries through our embassies in Sofia and Bucharest. We will bear in mind what the Deputy says. The fact that such information has brought us here merely reinforces our appreciation of the need for our decision to be measured and focused, taking account of the ultimate EU decision.
We have been very strong regarding the Middle East at all bilateral meetings in the European Union and elsewhere. In recent days there has been a further deterioration in the situation in Gaza. On behalf of the Government, I unreservedly condemn the violent actions involved, including those resulting in deaths and kidnappings. It is now essential that all parties act with restraint and pursue every avenue to resolve the current situation without further escalation. I appeal on the Government's behalf to all parties to work together to achieve the safe release of the kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilat Shalit and the two others abducted today. The European Union has expressed concern at the continuing deterioration, including the disproportionate use of military force by the Israelis. This has caused problems for Bethlehem. Ireland strongly supports the ICT judgment on the rerouting of the wall. We have made it consistently clear that Palestinian parliamentarians should also be freed unless they face specific serious charges. The President of the European Union, on behalf of the EU member states has strongly condemned the situation during the past week. This issue will be discussed at the next meeting of GAERC on Monday.
The EU energy policy is being examined closely by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government who has lead responsibility for it. The review has specifically addressed the issue of new nuclear power stations in the United Kingdom. Ireland is fully engaged in the process of public consultation as part of the energy review. We have made known our concerns about issues such as radioactive discharges to the Irish Sea, the danger of accidents, the continued reprocessing of spent fuel, the threat of terrorist attacks on nuclear facilities, proliferation issues, marine transport of both nuclear fuel and waste and the risks arising from the proximity of nuclear power stations located in the United Kingdom to Ireland. The aspects of the review dealing with the new nuclear build in the United Kingdom gives rise to serious concern for us in the light of the above issues. The problems of the plant at Sellafield amplify our concerns about further nuclear build and we made our position quite clear on that. The document which was issued yesterday by the United Kingdom is being studied by our respective Ministers at Cabinet committee level and a measured response will emanate in due course. Obviously, energy is a critical resource and it is important we have a bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom and that we are very focused within a multilateral situation in the European Union. The European Union will host an informal Council meeting in Lahti in Finland on 20 October at which energy will be a major topic and it is expected that President Putin will attend. These discussions will be important for EU bilateral arrangements for future EU energy supplies from Russia. Energy is an important topic and Ireland is centrally involved in ensuring that a common energy policy in the European Union will benefit all member states in future.
Is the matter on the agenda for next Monday's meeting?
No; I am not sure why it is not on the agenda for Monday. I understand it will be on the agenda for discussion in the autumn when we will have more information following our examination of the UK energy policy and the discussions with President Putin.
In view of the statements of concern from a number of Ministers in the past few days on this issue, I wonder why Ireland did not push to have it put on the agenda and have the matter discussed.
It is an ongoing issue and there was no item on the agenda that would allow us to raise the issue of energy. There is nothing to stop Ireland raising an issue in a particular way, but the Energy Council meets on a regular basis and the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resource will be raising these issues at the Energy Council, which is dedicated to energy matters and is the relevant Council at which to discuss the issue. From the macro point of view, the normal procedure is that energy issues should come on the agenda of the General Affairs Council closer to a major discussion on energy prior to a European Council meeting.
Deputy Allen pre-empted my questions on Romanian and Bulgarian accession. What is the current status of our relationship vis-à-vis Montenegro?
The Government has decided to recognise Montenegro following the result of the referendum held last month. We will have diplomatic coverage from Budapest at the end of next month.
My question was about illegal immigration and has been answered. It is a comprehensive report and I read the section on illegal immigration in detail. This is a very serious problem, about which there is much public concern. How to combat it will present a big problem for us. I do not know how the arrangements for co-operation between police forces and with the judiciary will work. We read about trafficking in the newspapers most days of the week. There has been an action plan and there will be a strategy but how will the initiatives work? This was not clear in the Minister of State's answer.
We are in the initial stages. This is the first time there has been a major international bilateral effort between the European Union and the African Union to address the problem. My presence at the conference with Irish officials represented a statement by Ireland on the seriousness of the problem. The political declaration and action plan have been agreed. The next stage will commence in Tripoli next month.
In the area of justice and home affairs there will be co-operation with Europol, Interpol and the African authorities. There are three routes through which there is illegal immigration and which will be closely observed and monitored. New measures will be put in place but these must be worked out officially. The European Union is concerned about the matter and we are most definitely concerned about it. We can only address the problem if we deal with the countries of origin, the countries of transit and the countries of destination. We can only tackle it by operating together, rather than on a unilateral basis.
We are fortunate that Mr. Peter Sutherland has been appointed by the UN Secretary General as UN envoy on migration. I had private discussions with him at the conference and he will report to the conference in New York in September. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will attend the conference, as will the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, with our diplomatic teams. The economic, legal, security and development aspects of migration will be discussed.
I am not talking about three particular routes, as there are hundreds of destinations within the 25 member states of the European Union. I am referring to those countries already members of the Union. In discussions with Romania and Bulgaria we found that there was already a model to be found in their relationship with Austria. The relationship between their police forces is very well developed. In the past year there has been evidence of particular forms of crime emerging from these new member states. My fear is that we are waiting for something to happen before we try to counteract it. It is not simply those particular routes from north and west Africa, etc. I refer to movement within the members states, as well as to the free movement of criminals. The free movement of labour has allowed for the free movement of people generally and clearly this has allowed for fluidity with regard to Ireland's immigration controls. This has been accepted by the Garda Commissioner as well as by the Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. While I welcome the Minister of State's efforts, I emphasise the issue outside of north and west Africa. I refer to internal controls within Europe and relations between its police bodies.
I apologise for hogging the discussion and will move on.
Before moving on, I wish to offer a quick response. The three routes to which I referred are from Africa. Obviously, people who get on or off such routes have several other routes into Ireland or elsewhere. The Chair raised the situation within the European Union. The entire thrust of the European Union is to favour the mobility of goods, people and services. Perhaps our decisions have been more than generous. Ireland has given outstanding political leadership by accepting the commonality of the European project——
I do not question that.
—— in that citizens of member states have the right to cross borders, deliver services, work and so on. In addition however, the Government has highlighted the problems for the European Union arising from mobility within its borders. In that context, it is committed to working within the Union regarding criminals. Such people have the right to move and it is common knowledge that it is almost impossible to identify them unless they bring a criminal record with them. On that basis, the Union will face a serious challenge in the future. Politicians may face the challenge of being obliged to tighten up on people's mobility and identities as they move across frontiers. A balance must be achieved in this regard and it will not be simple.
The justice and home affairs, JHA, area has developed considerably in recent years to deal with the challenges posed by cross-border crime and will continue to develop. The Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Foreign Affairs have been vocal in this regard at European level, as has the Taoiseach at European Councils and I at European affairs meetings.
I will continue this debate by stating that the argument is lost in respect of the positivity of free movement and, at micro level in Ireland, the need for immigration to keep its economy driven when the illegal element is not tackled. Unfortunately, people are becoming increasingly negatively disposed towards foreign nationals. This is not confined to Ireland and has also arisen in the United Kingdom. The wrong message is sent because the member states of the European Union are so slow to tackle illegal immigration.
In particular, I feel sorry for Malta and the smaller islands which experience such mass immigration from the western countries. While it is laudable to state the European Union's approach is to emphasise the need to tackle the poverty, political instability and corruption in such countries, it always appears to be slow to move. This will create another humanitarian crisis in the smaller islands, which are receiving a greater share of illegal immigration than they can cater for. In the short term, what is being done about it? Moreover, a greater number of criminal elements from abroad appear to be emerging in the courts system and this issue does not appear to have been tackled. Hence, I agree with members who have spoken in this regard.
If the Minister of State has commented on the issue of Turkey's recognition of Cyprus, I apologise for having missed his response.
As for the WTO talks, in December it seemed that a broadly acceptable agreement had been reached on the text. Obviously, that has now broken down and a compromise is under discussion. What form is such a compromise likely to take? How will it affect Ireland?
As far as Ireland is concerned, the European Union has played its cards in respect of the WTO negotiations. We have put our position on the table and, from 2003 onwards, readjusted the Common Agricultural Policy. We stand by this agreement, which is lodged as an international instrument at the WTO as our contribution.
It is now a matter for the other countries, in particular the United States, Australia and New Zealand, to come forward with their proposals setting out what they are going to do to minimise their subsidies and trade distortion situation. We believe we must hold our line until these countries put forward parallel measures. It is almost impossible to reach a compromise at this point or to identify what the compromise will be. We must wait for the other sides. We cannot continue to play all the cards in the pack. We have played the aces. The cards are left. Therefore, it is now up to the others to play their aces to ensure the game can conclude. We await such a situation. It will take a long time and will be complex and difficult. We await the evolution of the situation because it is the best we can do.
There is no timeframe for the——
The end of this year is the indicative date to reach agreement. Concluding the round by the end of this year or early next year remains a possibility but doing so will not be easy. It is important the European Union and its member states remain ambitious and committed but it is also important to be realistic. To conclude the round successfully by the end of the year would certainly be a difficult task.
In respect of the other issues raised by members, we must recognise that the migration of people has been taking place for centuries. People migrate for particular reasons. They may be adventurous, wish to improve their lot in life or be trapped in tragic and difficult situations of economic deprivation. We have been victims of such unfortunate situations in the past but people now migrate because economies are growing. People move to EU countries because of the economic growth in these countries and move to the United Kingdom and Ireland for the same reasons.
The difficulty lies in fine tuning the situation in such a way as to allow us to clearly identify illegal activities and illegal immigrants to ensure the areas of justice and policing work together to trap those en route to their destination or detect the nefarious activities under which they operate. Operational police matters, including co-operation, are the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform was well represented at the conference in Rabat as part of the Irish team. I was proud to accompany and lead the team.
The Rabat conference also addressed development in Africa to try to assist the development of countries that need resources, support and opportunity to sustain their own people and, thereby, minimise migration from Africa to the European Union and elsewhere. As Deputy Sexton noted, Malta; Spain, including the Canary Islands, and to a lesser extent France, have been serious victims of such migration.
In respect of the point made by the Chairman, we have a serious role to play within the European Union, which itself has a serious responsibility to ensure it fulfils its full commitment and mandate to all its citizens and facilitates the mobility of goods, people and services. The EU must ensure that within its structure and system, police systems are sufficiently integrated to ensure criminals cannot operate. This is the challenge facing us.
Like my colleague, Deputy Allen, I realise there is a great temptation to broaden this out because of the considerable number of items on the agenda. I will focus on two issues. In respect of the WTO negotiations, is it possible that Ireland might find itself out of step with the majority view in Europe on the concessions that will be required? This is in part because the assurances given by the Taoiseach, the Minister of State and the Ministers for Foreign Affairs; Agriculture and Food; and Enterprise, Trade and Employment have stated Ireland's position. The Minister of State said the EU cards have been played. I do not need to remind him that this situation is extremely serious, given that he is from the west.
Listening to a debate yesterday involving the leaders of the farming organisations, it became clear that Ireland is now overly reliant on imported vegetables. It is difficult to believe that the country has moved from a time when it was almost self-sufficient in this regard and only imported some goods to the current position. We are effectively dependent on imports because of the transient nature of shopping trends and the wishes of supermarkets to provide a continuity of service throughout the year, which Irish farmers are unable to do due to the circumstances in agricultural sector and the climate. If there is no movement on the part of the countries mentioned, in particular the United States, in dismantling subsidies, we could find ourselves in a difficult situation. Is there a possibility of a veto being exercised if something does not happen?
On Sudan, the Minister of State made it clear that Ireland strongly supports the UN force for which the Minister has called. What is happening in Darfur constitutes an international scandal. Why has greater pressure not been placed on the Sudanese authorities? I applaud the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, who will not only represent Ireland in this context but also Kofi Annan and the United Nations, which carries considerable weight. Does the Minister of State have additional information on the nature of Ireland's role? We have a humanitarian record but a number of NGOs, to which I will refer later, can no longer operate in Darfur.
The Minister of State will be aware that in the past few hours Prime Minister Olmert declared war on Lebanon. He has said that in the light of the two soldiers to whom the Minister of State referred and who were abducted by the Hizbollah which is primarily sponsored by Syria, he is holding the Lebanese Government responsible. This crisis is getting out of hand and I share the views of everyone at this table that the disproportionate nature of the response of the Israeli defence forces and the Israeli Government against the vulnerable Palestinian people must be unquestionably condemned.
Ireland has a role to play because of its historical position, particularly in its support of the Palestinian people. The former Minister for Foreign Affairs, the late Mr. Brian Lenihan, was the first EU Minister to call for the establishment of a Palestinian state at a time when it was not popular to do so. Ireland is seen as supporting human rights and the plight of the Palestinian people. Is there a possibility of Ireland diverging from the EU position?
The Minister of State called for the release of the Hamas elected representatives unless charges can be made against them. Would it not have been more productive to call for their unilateral release? While we might have serious doubts as to their credibility as democrats, they are elected representatives. I am not referring to the people who voted for them. If such had happened to elected representatives from anywhere else in the world, irrespective of whether we considered them devils from hell, most democratic countries would have called for their release.
Due to this escalation, is there a possibility of Ireland diverging from the EU position? The current mechanism is not helpful to the Palestinian people and I ask the Minister of State to respond on that matter. Despite the European Union's best efforts to try to bypass the Hamas-led Administration by setting up a temporary mechanism, that mechanism is not working. I have examined the matter in recent months and would like the Minister of State's views. Money and relief are not getting through despite everyone's best efforts.
Deputy Allen referred to Cyprus and I share his opinion. Will the Minister of State provide an assurance that Ireland will ensure Turkish recognition of the Republic of Cyprus? Had Ireland refused to recognise Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom at the time of its accession negotiations, would we have been allowed to join the European Union? We would not have been allowed to so do. The situations are parallel. Of all the countries in Europe, we should empathise with the Republic of Cyprus. It is scandalous that no ship flying the Cypriot flag will be accepted in a Turkish port. If the ship flies another flag but is registered in the Republic of Cyprus, it will not be allowed access. However, we are discussing bringing into the European Union a country that is supposed to accept democratic principles as espoused by the Union. I ask that the Irish take a lead on this matter.
Senator Mooney has raised several issues, to which I will try to respond. The importation of vegetables to Ireland has been evolving for some time. I cannot understand why we must import so many because there are excellent vegetable producers in the west and throughout the rest of the country. The Department of Agriculture and Food has many incentives to increase the value of Irish products and maximise the supply chain according to the demands of consumers. With leadership from agricultural organisations, co-operation with commercial outlets and support from the Department of Agriculture and Food, we could reduce imports. When I was Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food, much money was allocated to the improvement of facilities around the country. Such support is still available. Our seasonal growing system is a challenge and we must fill the valley period. We must import to ensure we have stocks filled. The producers in this country are very good and much education in agriculture has taken place.
The European Union is united on the matter of the WTO. Ireland is part of a group of 14 member states, including France and Germany, that shares a view on a broad approach and agreement on agriculture. The WTO needs a balanced agreement on agriculture, services, industrial goods and the non-agricultural market access, NAMA, section. Agreement is required and represents a major challenge. I am not certain it can be completed by the end of the year but it is a possibility.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, was the first Minister to visit Sudan since the peace agreement in May. He will brief colleagues on behalf of Ireland and the United Nations at a meeting on Monday. Pressure to deploy a UN force and to implement the Darfur peace agreement is being maintained. Our position on this is clear and we raise the matter on every possible occasion.
Ireland provided €6.38 million and €3.98 in humanitarian aid to Darfur in 2005 and 2004 respectively. Ireland pledged a further €15 million for Sudan for 2005-06. So far, €14 million of this has been delivered. In 2004-05, Ireland contributed €1.5 million to the humanitarian, human rights and policing aspects of the African Mission in Sudan, AMIS. Security in Darfur is precarious, preventing humanitarian organisations from reaching the most vulnerable people. I regret that the Sudanese Government has impeded the movement of humanitarian organisations on some occasions. Ireland condemns this.
Ireland ensured the issue of access for humanitarian organisations was raised at EU level and with the authorities in Khartoum. The Minister for Foreign Affairs raised the issue at his meeting with Foreign Minister Lam Akol in Khartoum on 3 July. He received assurances that remaining restrictions in Darfur would be lifted. We are monitoring the position.
Ireland wants to ensure a two state solution and has consistently expressed this idea. The late Brian Lenihan, then Minister for Foreign Affairs, was the first international politician to recognise the Palestinian situation. Successive Governments and Ministers for Foreign Affairs have made our position clear. We want Hamas parliamentarians released at once unless charges are pressed against them. Nobody is above the law and Israel should either charge or release them. Israel holds the cards in this case.
Ireland must be mindful that it is much more important to have a consensus within the European Union on this situation as it will provide greater power, force, opportunity and engagement. Working through the European Union we have an influence greater than our size. We will continue to stress the need for a balanced two-State solution which we believe is critical.
We are also committed to ensuring the funding mechanism continues to work. The EU High Representative, Mr. Solana, has done tremendous work in this area. He has taken many risks and conducted negotiations and the funds are channelled directly to the areas of greatest need. It is beginning to be effective, the mechanisms are in place and we will do our utmost to ensure funds continue to be channelled and make an impact. The European Commission has made the first payments to the health sector after agreement was reached at the end of June. I am worried about the situation. It is becoming a crisis and it will take the United Nations and the European Union together to resolve the matter.
We have made our position on Turkey absolutely clear. The European Union is made up of a group of sovereign states and each state much be recognised by any country wishing to join us. We have never deviated from that position, nor will we.
As Senator Mooney stated most of what needs to be said on Darfur, I will be brief. I was struck by the Minister of State's response on the amount of assistance we provide to Sudan. I presume most of it is provided through NGOs. I am reluctant to draw a connection between the behaviour of the Government in Khartoum and the aid we provide for that country. Nonetheless, we must be conscious of the ample evidence that exists that the Government in Khartoum acts in bad faith, to put it at its mildest, on the Darfur agreement. It is clear the efforts of NGOs in Darfur are frustrated. Violence and disruption continue and efforts to resettle people in Darfur and neighbouring Chad are frustrated with at least the connivance of the Khartoum Government. This is not acceptable.
I am not clear on the purpose of the visit at the start of the month by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern. Perhaps the Minister of State or his officials have more information on it. I appreciate the Minister of State was not there.
It is a pity the African Union force has not worked out. It was, and remains, an interesting experiment on the regionalisation of UN efforts. It was a first for the African Union. I accept it has come to the conclusion that logistical problems exist. It simply does not have the capacity to deal with the situation and transition to a UN force is probably better. However, it is a pity we must move in that direction. Does the Minister of State have any thoughts on the likely composition of the UN force? Is it likely to be largely a non-First World force? Will there be European participation at EU level and does the Minister of State envisage participation by Ireland?
I agree with much of what Senator McDowell stated. The purpose of the Minister's visit was to see the situation at first hand and to be able to report to the United Nations and the European Union as the UN envoy for the region. It was a busy visit and he attended many meetings. He made clear the positions of Ireland, the European Union and the United Nations. He demanded that co-operation be given, that the various mechanisms, transfers and mobility be operated and protected and that people are looked after. He will report on the situation to the GAERC next Monday.
We are not happy with the Sudanese Government but it is a complex issue. The situation is made extremely difficult by conflict among rebel groups. We have no alternative but to exert further pressure on Khartoum. The UN force will be mostly African. An Irish role will be considered when the final details on the length and size of the force become clear but no decision has yet been taken. Ireland will certainly consider the situation at the time.
I do not wish to delay proceedings but I raised the question of Bethlehem at a previous meeting. However, no great urgency has been attached to that issue. I do not want to sound like a Redemptorist missionary but I visited Bethlehem last year——
The Deputy would make a fine missionary.
Perhaps. I would forgive everybody.
I visited Bethlehem last year and was taken aback by its inaccessibility due to the security arrangements in place. Christians throughout the world are cut off from the birthplace of Christ by an offensive wall and security checkpoints and by degrading treatment when attempting to get through those checkpoints. Bethlehem is a ghost town. Businesses have collapsed but, more importantly, Christians cannot go on pilgrimage to that area. If any other religion were treated in this way, there would global outcry. However, little is being said about the matter.
People should have the freedom to visit Bethlehem and pursue their religious beliefs in an unhindered way, without being exposed to the heavy-handed treatment they are receiving from the Israeli Government. Israel is very sensitive about protecting its own interests and rightly so. However, we should also be as up-front in protecting our interests and those of Christians who wish to visit Bethlehem. What is happening there is an insult to Christendom. I see only a lukewarm approach to dealing with an issue that should be dealt with head on. Perhaps it is lower down on the priority list, given what is happening in Palestine at present. What is happening there must also be dealt with in an up-front manner. The problem of Bethlehem is a festering sore that must be addressed but that does not seem to be happening.
I also wish to raise the matter of the non-proliferation treaty, which has effectively been consigned to the bin. The United Nations failed to even agree on an agenda to deal with the matter last year. There is a general outcry regarding Iran's nuclear programme but we conveniently ignore what is happening between the United States and India and the agreement they are negotiating. There has not been a whisper about this issue.
Unless the non-proliferation treaty is dealt with in a serious way, we are facing an appalling situation where there will be ongoing proliferation. It seems to be acceptable when certain countries develop weapons but unacceptable when others do so. Total hypocrisy and double standards are at work in this regard, which is quite frightening. It appears to be fine when some of the powers that are in good grace embark on their own private deals. This is an issue whose importance has been grossly underestimated. The sooner Ireland, which has a track record in this area as one of the architects of the treaty, takes a stand, the better. It is appalling to see the treaty being thrown in the wastepaper bin because of the selfish interests of certain countries.
I had the privilege of visiting Bethlehem a number of years ago and found access and mobility difficult at the time. Judging from what Deputy Allen said and from official reports, the situation has deteriorated significantly in the past year or two. Our position is that we fully support the decision of the International Court of Justice regarding the wall. If a wall is to be erected, it should only be on Israeli territory and there should be absolute access and mobility in the entire area. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, at his recent meeting with the Holy Father and the Holy See, raised this issue. We have consistently raised the matter at diplomatic level. I agree it is probably the most Christian site in the world. There is no reason there should not be absolute open access for people who wish to go there. It would also have a significant economic contribution to make to the region. The situation is not conducive-----
With respect, it is not the Holy Father to whom the Foreign Minister should be speaking. He only has an army of Swiss Guards. The Minister should be speaking to the Israeli authorities. On many matters our foreign policy is so passive and subsumed into European Union policy——
The Deputy is taking the event out of context.
I am not.
We are committed to and focused on the issue. We fully endorse the decision of the International Court of Justice. The Minister for Foreign Affairs discussed the matter with the Holy See, our ambassador and others have raised the issue in different cases and one of our senior officials here today will be in Israel in ten days to discuss the matter, among others, with our team there. We are active, committed, involved and engaged. We make no secret of our position to ensure that fairness and human rights prevail. We are looking to ensure a two-state solution for the area, and we will continue to work towards this.
With regard to the non-proliferation treaty, we have made an historic contribution. We helped to create and realise it. We have been an active participant in nuclear suppliers group discussions on the matter. We have expressed concern with regard to the potential impact of this deal on the global non-proliferation regime, and especially the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, with which Ireland has a long and close association.
We have asked many questions on those aspects where we needed greater clarity in order to assist our own analysis. We consulted closely with like-minded countries within the NSG, including some of our partners in the New Agenda Coalition. We have also sought details of the analysis of other countries which have already expressed support for the detail and which have described it as a net gain for the non-proliferation regime. Ireland is playing a major part in the NSG and has been recognised as asking hard questions by the United States and others. We will not be found wanting.
What is the NSG?
It is the nuclear suppliers' group.
What was our stance there in the recent meeting in South America, for example? What was our contribution?
There was continuing debate but no decisions were taken. We are one of the small group of countries consistently asking hard questions of the United States and others. That has been recognised and we will continue to do so. We are totally committed to the treaty in all its aspects in the interests of the world. I agree completely with the Deputy's comments.
I thank the Minister of State.
The joint committee went into private session at 1.35 p.m. and adjourned at 1.40 p.m. sine die.