David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Chairman asked a question I intended to ask to which a very clear and authoritative reply was given by the Tánaiste, namely, the proposal for an "In-Out" referendum by the UK Prime Minister.

I will refer to a few things in the Tánaiste's speech. He referred to the conclusions of last May regarding the implications of the Israeli settlements. I would put that in the context of the unprecedented and alarming expansion of those settlements and the commitment given by Mr. Netanyahu to do this in east Jerusalem, which would have serious implications for the possibility of a two-state solution. In light of that, I wonder how this country can use the opportunity of the EU Presidency to put real pressure on Israel, particularly where one will have a weakened coalition Government or a strengthened centre-left. The Tánaiste took a very courageous and principled stand regarding settlement goods. Will there be any action on that issue, particularly from the Tánaiste, during our Presidency to advance the policy he announced of urging a ban on settlement goods in line with international law?

The Tánaiste referred to the multi-annual financial framework. Given the fact that the aid programme, particularly development aid, may experience a disproportionate cut in light of our commitment and very good track record in this area, to what extent will the Tánaiste be able to use the Presidency to at least secure the level of existing funding if there is any possibility of using our position to ensure it remains as it is?

This committee was addressed in very passionate and moving terms by people in respect of the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I know the Tánaiste has taken an interest in that and we have passed resolutions concerning the wars and sexual violence and its use as a military weapon. The motion about violence has been passed by Seanad Éireann. I have a substantial motion down at the moment and it looks as if there is all-party agreement but we have not received the nod from the Tánaiste's Department. We hope it will be a unanimously passed with all-party agreement. Will the Tánaiste be able to indicate fairly soon the attitude of the Department on this, which I imagine will be positive? I believe the Tánaiste also received communication from Oxfam on this subject but I gather he has not had an opportunity to reply to the letter yet.

My second last point relates to climate change. At the talks in Doha, only a small number of EU countries - Germany, France and Denmark - made new climate finance pledges for 2013, while Ireland did not do so. Can the Tánaiste reassure us that we will give a climate finance pledge and, if so, when will this be?

My final question relates to biofuels, which many of us were naïve enough to think were a solution to many problems, particularly energy. They have had the unintended consequence of displacing people, particularly poor communities, in developing countries. Will we use our Presidency to ensure the Commission's proposal on indirect land use change is strengthened and adopted so that the greenhouse gas emissions caused by indirect land use change can be included in the calculation of the carbon footprint of all biofuels? I think I asked six questions.