Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have one quick point before I ask some questions. I have noted the elections in Afghanistan and Iraq and I have been struck by how people go to such lengths and put themselves at risk to vote. Ireland has a low turnout at elections and I am struck by the contrast with other countries.

One can link the issues in Ukraine and Palestine. The report referred to European Union sanctions imposed on entities based in Crimea but such strong moves have not been made relating to Israeli settlements in Palestine. The UK published an overseas business risk report and the Dutch and Norwegian Governments give examples of good practice. Hitting people in their pockets is the most effective way of dealing with these issues. It seems that a great deal has been done on one issue but only lip service has been paid to another. There have been reports of air strikes in the Golan Heights region and I wonder about the safety of our troops there.

The BBC reported this morning that the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Nouri al-Maliki, has rejected a call for a national unity government. Given the current situation, how can this lead to a just, stable and inclusive Iraq?

On Thailand and Burma, I am aware that we are opening an embassy and have a new ambassador, Mr. Brendan Rogers. If official visits to Thailand are suspended, will Mr. Rogers travel to the country or will we wait until democracy returns? There are serious issues relating to the Rohingya people and I have raised this before. The situation is worsening.

Last week, there was a presentation here on the transatlantic trade and investment partnership, TTIP, and there seems to be blind faith in this agreement. What is the Tánaiste's opinion on this? We need an open debate with independent economic analysis of the implications. There are dangers for Irish industry and threats to human rights so we must ensure this is not dominated by corporate interests. It links to the proposed EU free trade agreement with Colombia and Peru. Will there be an opportunity to debate this because it has wider implications? It goes back to the economic partnership agreement. When the President of Ireland, Mr. Michael D. Higgins, was here as a Deputy in 2010 he demanded these partnership agreements should be fully debated. There must be a debate on these free trade agreements and TTIP.