Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Tánaiste's very comprehensive and enlightening report. He referred to the OSCE's activities in Ukraine and the fact that five Irish personnel are serving on the observer mission there, which is good. Will the Tánaiste comment on the Helsinki+40 process, which obviously may be a factor in resolving issues, and on the role of our ambassador, Philip McDonagh, who is well equipped to provide effectiveness and efficiency in the context of Ireland's permanent mission to the OSCE? I am of the view that Mr. McDonagh could have a positive impact on the process.

How many refugees will Ireland be accepting from the Syrian conflict? In the context of ISIS, the Tánaiste referred to the threat, which is probably real, to both Lebanon and Jordan. ISIS forces seem to be continuing to gain footholds. There was speculation about a threat to Europe and Spain was mentioned in that regard.

What preparatory discussions are taking place within Europe to protect itself from such organisations ultimately breaching European Union borders? I refer in particular to countries where there are not sufficient armies to protect the frontiers? I would like to hear what is being done in that regard. There is a danger that Europe has been reacting rather than being proactive in response to the Ukrainian issue in particular.

On Palestine, I am pleased to note the decision on the three prisoners. Six Palestinians, including two children, were killed by the Israeli military within the past ten days. Such incidents seem to continue without much reaction from the international community to any great extent. I note what has been said about banning goods produced in settlements, which was an issue the committee discussed. I also note that such an approach is being applied in the Crimea, which is a recent conflict. I hope the approach will be effective. I do not understand why we do not take a similar approach to the occupied Palestinian areas. Europe is failing in that regard. Will the Tánaiste comment on the unity government within Palestine? I have seen the Israeli reaction to it. Given our experience with the peace process in Northern Ireland, I would have thought the involvement of Hamas with President Abbas creates a foundation upon which a sustainable peace could be achieved through negotiation. Could the Tánaiste please comment in that regard?

I note what has been said about Boko Haram in Nigeria. The group became a big issue approximately one month ago when the abductions took place. Surprisingly, the media only focused properly on the incident about three weeks after it occurred and it seems to have gone into the background now. The international community must address what is happening. The conflict has been ongoing for up to five years and many atrocities have taken place, including other abductions since the horrendous abduction of the schoolgirls. Effective action must be taken. There is a view that the Nigerian Government needs some support. Has any consideration been given to such an approach?

I note that the Tánaiste has received a communication from Ireland Stand Up on the Vatican Embassy being located in Villa Spada for the historic reasons the group outlined. What is the Tánaiste's reaction to that given that we have re-opened the embassy which we should never have closed in the first place?