Paul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Could the Deputy Leader arrange an urgent debate on two matters of international affairs? The first is the very serious crisis in Ukraine, the political ramifications arising from such a crisis and the interaction with the European Union and Russia.

We need to hear the official Government position and response from the Tánaiste.

In recent days the UN report issued a report on the ongoing humanitarian, political and social crisis in North Korea. It was of no surprise, as North Korea is a Stalinist, almost hidden state. The shocking details in the report must result in the strongest possible response from the UN, the EU and every civilised country. Families and citizens are being detained in concentration camps. The UN report likened the situation to the Nazi regime, but pointed out the significant difference that we fully know what is happening. The Tánaiste, on behalf of the Government, should issue a strong response and ensure the international community does not keep turning a blind eye to the shocking humanitarian and political crisis in North Korea. We are referring to a country that might have access to nuclear weaponry and is certainly a danger to international relations, yet there has been no response at UN or EU level of meaningful import. We must debate the matter and try to initiate some degree of response.