Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the officials.

Reference was made to aid, including humanitarian aid. There was a report in the past week or so alleging Irish taxpayers' money was being used in Ethiopia for abortion providers. Will the officials comment on this? Is it true? If so, is the practice being continued? Is there anywhere to which we are sending taxpayers' money to provide for what is an inhumane abuse of human rights, namely, abortion?

With regard to the situation in Syria, I have noted the officials' comment that the United States and Russia are endeavouring to convene a conference. Some of us saw some of the refugee camps in Lebanon in January. The message we received from both the refugees and political interests in Lebanon, including the President, was that there was a real need for engagement to achieve a negotiated solution to the problems faced. I was pleased with the line the Tánaiste and Ireland took with regard to not providing arms for either side in the conflict. What is occurring is inhumane. Obviously, the provision of arms is fuelling the conflict and not resulting in a solution.

My third point is on the Middle East. I welcome the commitment in the report on tackling the threats to the viability of the two-state solution and trying to increase the size of the narrowing window. Some of us will be in the region next week and hope we will have an opportunity to see what is occurring at first hand. Did the issue of banning of imports from the settlement areas arise at EU level? Israel will need to be induced or driven, probably in equal proportions, if we are to resolve this issue.

My colleague has covered EU-Russia relations. Russia is a very significant player and the European Union is its biggest trading partner. Obviously, we are very dependent on Russia's energy supplies. With regard to visas and human rights, was the case of Sergei Magnitsky raised by the EU side? If so, what was the outcome?

I agree with everything said by Deputy Eric Byrne on Bosnia-Herzegovina. EU enlargement will lead to circumstances where Bosnia will become more isolated than it has been. While I can see the political difficulties that arise, the citizens of Bosnia really deserve better than for us to allow that to happen. The Tánaiste has recognised that there is a threat of renewed conflict in the area. Therefore, the country merits focus and much assistance. The European Union has a part to play in that regard.

I compliment Ambassador Anderson and her staff at the United Nations on their tremendous support and participation with regard to the arms trade treaty. The latest figure I saw suggested over 68 countries had signed up. This means that the treaty is now in effect, as 50 signatories were required. The more countries that sign, the more the terms of the treaty will be adhered to. This is essential to so many of the conflict areas we have encountered.

My last question is on one of the smallest states. When is it planned to reopen the embassy to the Vatican?