Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While it is not specifically referred to for this Council meeting, I ask the Minister to have regard to concerns over how the European arrest warrant is being implemented in different states. There are different models of protection of human rights in the European Union. One of the issues that has come to the fore in France has been the arrest under the European arrest warrant of a French citizen, Aurore Martin, who has been extradited to Spain for participating in protests that were illegal in Spain but would be legal in France. It has been criticized by political parties across the spectrum from left to right. The French Interior Minister has disassociated himself from it and has said this was a European decision. The person concerned was arrested for a traffic offence and because of the nature of the warrant she was taken into custody and has been handed over to the Spanish authorities. I ask the Minister to consider those criticisms of how it is being implemented.

I have reviewed some of the reports of the meetings the Minister has had on defence. In those meetings, including, for example, in meetings he has had with the Secretary General of NATO, is he asserting Ireland's position as a neutral country and our capacity to play a role in certain conflicts, most obviously in the Middle East and other evolving situations? When the Minister meets the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, what is the interplay between him and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade? Do they both sing off the same hymn sheet and have the same common set of objectives on behalf of Ireland in terms of what we might ask her?

Can she play a stronger role in resolving that conflict in the Middle East? Ireland is a neutral country and therefore of no relevance to NATO, but there are obviously areas of security co-operation. Recently, this committee met the naval services, who gave us an excellent presentation. Clearly, co-operation in tackling international crime is relevant. I would like some clarity regarding the Minister's approach on how Ireland as a neutral state engages with defence matters.

Another point that was raised concerned how we develop the defence-industrial base when it would be the objective of many campaigners internationally to reduce the international arms industry, which has played a very negative role in conflicts across the world and led governments to be slow in reacting to and addressing conflicts because of their financial interests. I could name so many in that regard. What is our strategic framework when we engage as a neutral state with these players and what are our objectives in doing so?