Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Serbia's readiness for accession to the European Union; if it is his intention that a date will be set for Serbian accession during the Irish Presidency of the Council in 2013; his further views on discriminatory policies within Serbia towards Serbian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer citizens in view of recent events in Belgrade; if it his intention to address these matters with the Serbian Government during Ireland's presidency in advance of any accession date being set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44646/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The European Commission published its Annual Enlargement Strategy and Progress Reports on 10 October. On Serbia, while recognising progress, the Commission pointed to further work needed before it could recommend the opening of accession negotiations. In particular, Serbia needs to pay attention to the rule of law, notably the judiciary and the rights of vulnerable groups and Serbia needs to take steps towards a visible and sustainable improvement of relations with Kosovo. I agree with the Commission’s assessment. Whether a date for opening accession negotiations with Serbia can be set during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council in 2013 is dependent on a number of factors. In the first instance, Serbia will have to fulfil the requirement of an improvement in relations with Kosovo. Secondly, the Commission will have to report that Serbia has achieved the necessary degree of compliance with EU membership criteria. Then the Council will assess this report before coming to a decision. Accession is the result of a negotiation, and the eventual outcome and timeframe in respect of any application cannot be predicted.

Turning to the concerns raised in relation to LGBT rights in Serbia, as I have already stated publicly, I greatly regret the decision of the Serbian authorities to ban the Belgrade Pride Parade for the second year in a row on security grounds.

The European Union is first and foremost a community of values based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. These are values upon which European Union is built, and it is essential that Serbia, as a candidate country for membership, respects them. Serbia will be expected to demonstrate that it can fully protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons in Serbia before the country can be admitted to the EU.