Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their comprehensive presentation. I agree with Deputy Darragh O'Brien that all members unreservedly condemn the appalling incursions on press freedom we have seen in Turkey since the failed coup. We also join the witnesses in condemning the coup. It is clear, however, that the response has been disproportionate. If one examines the list of media outlets that have been banned, it becomes clear that there has been an attempt, as one journalist put it, to eviscerate the Kurdish minority in particular and any media outlets connected with it. I understand the media outlets closed include a children's channel. It is also appalling to note that 2,500 journalists have lost their jobs, others remain in detention and basic due process rights such as lawyer-client privilege are being encroached. I am also deeply concerned by the allegations of torture.

On practical steps that can be taken, the European Parliament passed a resolution on 25 October. Is the International Federation of Journalists asking the joint committee to seek to have similar motions passed by the Oireachtas? I note the European Parliament resolution calls on member states to continue to monitor the practical implications of the Turkish state of emergency to ensure trials of journalists are monitored and instructed the President of the European Parliament to put forward the resolution to the Council, the European Commission and so forth. I note also that it calls on the European Union, through Commissioner Mogherini and Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, to engage directly in talks with Ankara about the position as regards the rule of law in Turkey. Should we also call for these steps to be taken? Clearly, the Government must express Ireland's strong concerns about this matter. On a related question, what can be done specifically with regard to the protection of the rights of the Kurdish minority, which appears to have been specifically targeted in the Turkish Government's crackdown?

I have also read the Turkish Government's response to the European Parliament's motion. Reports published on 1 November indicate the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr. Binaldi Yildirim, told members of the ruling AK party in a parliamentary speech that he did not care about the EU's red line and his government had drawn a red line on top of it. This does not show much respect for the actions of the European Parliament or the rule of law in Turkey, which is a grave concern. Clearly, the actions of the European Parliament have not yet had any effect. What can the joint committee do to put pressure on the Government to ensure some protection for journalists who are still in detention in Turkey and facing appalling treatment, including online abuse? The Guardianreported this week, for example, that women journalists and others in Turkey have been subject to orchestrated online abuse.