Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
111. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his position on Türkiye becoming a member of the European Union; his views on the human rights situation in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18045/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTürkiye is an EU neighbour, an important regional partner, and an influential middle power. It is crucial that Ireland and the EU has a productive relationship with Türkiye, on the full range of our shared priorities. Ireland supports Türkiye’s EU perspective, on the basis of clear compliance with the accession criteria. We regret that Türkiye’s accession process has stalled in recent years, due to backsliding in the areas of rule of law and fundamental rights. We believe that increased cooperation on areas of joint interest can serve as a stepping-stone towards re-starting Türkiye’s accession negotiations.
Human rights are a fundamental aspect of EU membership and Ireland is fully supportive of the EU’s engagement with Türkiye around this. As a candidate country for EU membership and long-standing member of the Council of Europe, it is important that the Turkish authorities follow up on the recommendations of the European Commission and the Council of Europe. In particular, Ireland has consistently called on Turkish authorities to fully implement the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights. Bilaterally, Ireland also makes clear on an ongoing basis its concerns about the overall human rights situation in Türkiye. It is an issue which I will continue to raise wherever the opportunity arises.
Türkiye needs to demonstrate concrete progress on the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. Continued engagement with and by the EU will be vital for the sake of human rights and rule of law in Türkiye. Ireland, alongside our European counterparts, will continue to monitor all aspects of the EU-Türkiye relationship, with a particular focus on human rights. We will continue to voice our concerns bilaterally and multilaterally wherever possible, and hope to see progress in the near future.
