Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I can give a host of examples and tell members about the consequences involved for us. For example, elections involving close partners take place on a regular basis. On average, there are in excess of 30 per annum and we do not disclose how we vote in them. I am not talking about hypothetical examples. It happens on a regular basis and this is one of such example.

Deputy Seán Barrett mentioned Crimea. I assure him and the committee that we are unwavering in our support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and independence of Ukraine. There is a reform programme and we keep ourselves fully informed at EU level and on a bilateral basis. I visited Kiev the year before last and met senior Ministers. We continue to be most concerned about the situation in Ukraine.

Deputies Darragh O'Brien and Maureen O'Sullivan mentioned the issue of development. I assure them and the committee that the EU consensus on development was adopted last week by the Development Ministers in Brussels. It retains a very strong focus on the elimination of poverty. However, it also recognises the broad focus of the global development framework agreed at the United Nations and the sustainable development goals, in the development of which Ireland very much played a leading role, recognising the link between development, conflict and security, as well as economic development. We will continue to play a strong role in that regard.

Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan referred to Somaliland. We had recent contact with the authorities there. While fully recognising the sovereignty of Somalia, we understand there are issues to be addressed in the case of Somaliland. There was a technical visit last year by the President and Foreign Minister of Somaliland and we maintain contact through our ambassador in Nairobi who is accredited to Somalia.

I wish to refer briefly to the Middle East peace process. I acknowledge the support of the committee in that regard. I also acknowledge the existence of Dáil motions, the cross-party support and my strong support for a two-state solution. The Government remains committed to the recognition of the state of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict. That commitment is contained in the programme for Government. My two visits to the region have contributed to its ongoing consideration and I discuss the question on a regular basis. I do so as recently at the last meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. It is not a question of making up my mind or being unwilling to do so but one of ensuring the two-state solution is one on which we can ensure the support of other countries, particularly in the European Union. During his recent visit to Israel President Trump spoke in very positive terms about the peace process.

It has come to my attention in the past few days that there are some who are seeking to bring pressure to bear to have a cancellation of a reading by the Israeli novelist, Dorit Rabinyan, at the Dublin International Literary Festival this Saturday. I express my concern about this and my rejection of efforts to bring about the cancellation of the event and move towards a cultural boycott. There are no circumstances in which I would agree with it. I have no difficulty, as Deputy Darragh O'Brien and I have stated in the House, in raising concerns and those of Members on all sides about the continued occupation with the Israeli authorities - with the ambassador in Dublin, as I have done, and directly with Prime Minister Netanyahu and with a number of his Ministers - but I have no time for censorship or silencing the voices of those who might disagree with us or who might simply challenge us. To try to silence artists, those who have a role in society in challenging all of us, is to head down a very dangerous path which I hope all those present will reject.

I am aware of the prisoner issue in Israel, in particular Palestinian prisoners, and acknowledge what Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan said. It is a sensitive issue, but I cannot support the use of hunger strikes. I am anxious to avoid using language which might not be helpful, but the overriding concern is to avoid a tragic outcome. I have made my concerns known to the Israeli ambassador here, as have the EU heads of mission in Jerusalem and our own representative in Ramallah. I do not accept in any circumstance that there is value in people withdrawing from self-nourishment. It is entirely unhelpful and detrimental to one's health. I advise the Deputy that there have been reports in recent days that moves to resolve the hunger strike may be nearing success. I wish the parties engaging in that process every success. I have continually repeated my condemnation and opposition to the continued advancement of settlements and also spoken about EU funded projects and property.

On Saudi involvement in Yemen, I raised directly the impact of the conflict on civilians and civilian infrastructure with the Emirates Foreign Minister on two occasions when he was here and when I was in the Emirates late last year. I also raised the issue when I was in Saudi Arabia last November.

Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan referred to the situation in Libya and is right in what she said. The political situation there is complex, difficult and challenging. I note the point she made about migration, but the recent meeting between the Prime Minister of the UN-backed government of national accord in the west and Field Marshall Haftar in the east was a step in the right direction. I accept that it may be some time before a solution acceptable to all sides is reached, but Ireland continues to support the formation of a functioning government under the framework of a Libyan political agreement. I reiterate that a Libyan own and led political solution remains the only way forward for the benefit of its people. Ireland fully supports the European Union's participation in the Quartet.

I advise Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan that there has been a decrease in the number of migrants from the eastern Mediterranean region, but there has been an increase in the central Mediterranean region to which she referred. This is an issue that Ireland monitors closely. I acknowledge the work of the Naval Service in the region. The Deputy mentioned reports of serious mistreatment and abuse experienced by migrants in Liyba, which we condemn. In February the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union called on the Libyan authorities to redouble their efforts to improve the promotion of human rights, especially in migrant detention centres, given the vulnerability of migrants. We need to ensure a strong focus on capacity building, strengthening the Libyan coastguard and improving reception centres for migrants along the Libyan coast.