Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2013
123. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the current civil and political unrest in Turkey; if any Irish citizens have been caught up in the current demonstrations taking place; the plan he has in place for assisting Irish citizens in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27659/13]
View answer130. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the anti-government protests in Turkey; and if he will report on any discussions he has had with his counterparts in the European Union in relation to the ongoing protests. [27950/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 130 together.
I share the deep concern expressed by others in the EU on the violent clashes which have been taking place in Turkey. Like the rule of law, pluralism of opinion and the right to peaceful protest are part of every democracy and the disproportionate use of force by the police, as acknowledged by the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister, was deeply regrettable. I understand the Interior Ministry has launched an investigation.
Many of the protestors have raised concerns about current government policy in a number of areas. The government has now begun to meet with protestors and there has been some recognition of the need to reach out to those who feel isolated and marginalised by some government policies. I understand that a meeting is scheduled with the Turkish Prime Minister on Wednesday 12 June.
However I am concerned by reports that riot police re-entered Taksim Square early on 11 June and fired tear gas canisters and rubber bullets at protestors. I am disappointed that the Turkish authorities appear not to have heeded calls by the EU and others for restraint. I would urge all sides to redouble their efforts to resolve the situation through a process of peaceful and inclusive dialogue.
Turkey as a Candidate for membership of the EU is expected to uphold the democratic values of the EU. EU-inspired reforms have, in fact, facilitated the increasing space for peaceful protest and dissenting voices. It could be argued that the protests are evidence that democracy in Turkey is maturing and that civil society has been strengthened.
As soon as the demonstrations started, my Department heightened the warning in its travel advisory, urging Irish citizens to avoid demonstrations and alerting them to the cities and areas affected. Given the potential for further demonstrations and the possibility of violence, we are advising Irish citizens to exercise caution and to stay well away from the vicinity of all demonstrations, including apparently peaceful demonstrations.
The Department and the Embassy in Ankara are following the situation closely and have been providing advice to concerned Irish citizens. The phones of the Department and the Embassy are monitored out-of-hours for calls from citizens seeking advice or assistance.
I am only aware of one Irish citizen who has been directly caught up in the demonstrations. He was unhurt and has been given consular assistance by the Embassy in Ankara. We will provide similar assistance in any other cases which may arise.
