Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2013
140. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the President of the United States of America agreeing to hold high-level bilateral talks with Germany over US surveillance and security monitoring of EU offices in both Washington and New York, if he will confirm whether or not a similar offer has been made to Ireland to discuss the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33460/13]
View answerThe allegations of surveillance of EU premises, if true, are of concern to all EU member states, including Ireland. The EU’s External Action Service has sought clarification of the situation in both Washington and Brussels. High Representative Ashton has also spoken directly about this matter to Secretary of State Kerry and at a press conference, President Obama emphasised the importance of the US relationship with Europe and gave a firm undertaking to examine these allegations and to provide “all the information that our allies want”. I welcome this clear statement and undertaking. While Ireland is not one of the member states identified in the media reports to date, the Government has already expressed its concerns to the US Embassy in Dublin at a senior official level and looks forward to clarification being provided in response to the EU’s request.
