I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 119 together.
I am aware of the serious concern of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus at the increased levels of activity in the property market in the northern part of the island. The Cypriot authorities have drawn the attention of partners in the EU to their particular concern that much of the property development undertaken in recent years has involved land which is legally owned by citizens of Cyprus who were forced to leave the area in 1974.
The issue of property rights is a crucial element in the search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, on which the United Nations has the lead role. The Government is regularly in contact with the various parties, and Ireland was particularly engaged in encouraging agreement on a settlement based on the proposals of the UN Secretary General in early 2004, during the Irish EU Presidency. The EU has recognised the positive contribution of the Turkish Government to the process last year. We have strongly encouraged Turkey to start a process in the context of preparations for the opening of accession negotiations with the EU which will lead to the normalising of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus. The issue of property rights, however, will not be resolved until a comprehensive settlement has been agreed in Cyprus.
Ireland does not recognise the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", in line with UN Security Council Resolutions 541, of 1983, and 550, of 1984, which are binding on all members of the United Nations. The Republic of Cyprus has been a member state of the EU since 1 May 2004. In the absence of a comprehensive settlement, the application of the laws and regulations of the Union to the northern part of the island is suspended.
Any Irish citizen considering the purchase of property in the area in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control should consider very carefully all the complex legal issues involved. I believe that it is important also to take full account of the political background. Any future comprehensive settlement in Cyprus will include provisions on property rights which, depending on the particular circumstances, could have very serious practical or financial implications for people who have purchased property in the northern part of the island.