Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Recognising the work of High Representative, Catherine Ashton, to what extent is there a respect for the objectives and the work of the EEAS in countries such as Libya, Iran, Egypt and Syria? For example, is the EEAS regarded as a necessary evil or nuisance? There is a subtlety that should not go unnoticed. To what extent is the EEAS respected, rather than feared? When a submission is made that should be taken note of, is it ignored? The tendency is for warring factions in various places to ignore everybody. The EU, by virtue of its financial contribution in these areas, does have a right to follow up and ask whether it is being taken seriously. Syria is a classic example. To what extent is the fear of being dragged before the International Criminal Court a factor? To what extent has it been used by the EEAS as a means of promoting the positive progress in respect of the situation presented?