Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand that the Commissioner was speaking hypothetically about various possible scenarios. It is impossible to quantify any of this until such time as the negotiations actually commence and then the game becomes clear and there is a greater level of clarification. It is important that, from our point of view as a key member of the EU 27 in the negotiations, we continue to highlight and prioritise our strategic national interests.

On the matter of the Saudi vote, there is no evidence in the instant case that the US called for a vote on the Commission on the Status of Women in any way relating to the position of Saudi Arabia or any candidate. It did not say why it called a vote. However, even if a vote is called, the calling of the vote or the conduct of the vote is entirely within the rules - rule 92 or whatever it is - that I have already quoted from, which is that it be governed by a secret ballot. This is a rule. I do not see how I can unilaterally depart from the rule, which would have an undermining effect of Ireland in the UN, as well as the UN's conduct of its own business.

On the matter of recognition of the state of Palestine and comments of Deputy Crowe, Senators Bacik and Mark Daly and others, the matter is included in the programme for Government where we are committed to recognising. I am keeping under review whether immediate recognition by Ireland of the state of Palestine prior to its real achievement on the ground can be a helpful step towards resolving what is an ongoing and longstanding conflict of huge complexity. I visited the region. I intend visiting it again. Immediate recognition would be a largely symbolic action. There are arguments for and against doing so at this time. I have not so far recommended to Government that the state of Palestine be recognised. Of course I support and have for many years supported, as indeed does this Government and previous Governments, the two-state solution, as does the European Union. However, I am not yet convinced that the balance of these arguments is in favour of immediate recognition now. I say to the Chair, as a Chairman of a foreign affairs committee, that if and when I am, I will do so without hesitation. I am anxious to continue to hear the submissions and position of this committee.

I am concerned about the hunger strikes. I do not support hunger strikes, as Deputy Crowe will know. I again acknowledge that there are real concerns about the use and the nature of detention in Israel. My officials have raised this issue with the embassy in Israel and I have raised it myself. It has also been raised through the head of the EU delegation on the ground.

I opposed the settlement expansion. I have said that on numerous public occasions, both here in our Houses of Parliament, at EU level and directly in the context of my meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. I will continue to express on behalf of Ireland our concerns in this region. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Council, this is an issue that regularly features on the agenda of the EU Foreign Affairs Council. The EU has taken a number of actions to differentiate between Israel and illegal Israeli settlements including a number of initiatives relating to certification, advising against investment and requiring accurate labelling of settlement goods. I will continue to take a deep interest in that.

Mention was made by Deputy Crowe and others of the matter of Egypt and reference was made to Ibrahim Halawa, the Irish citizen detained in Egypt without a trial having being concluded. I do not put any positive spin on this issue. I am very concerned as to the length of time it is taking to have this criminal case dealt with and a conclusion reached. I raised the issue directly with my colleague, Foreign Minister Shoukry, at the meeting to which Deputy Crowe refers. I avail of every opportunity, even as recently as last week, to address the issue directly with Egypt's ambassador here in Dublin.

We continue to work hard and diligently on our citizen's behalf on the matter of the issue of formal legal proceedings. There are time issues involved here. I would be very concerned at the Irish Government embarking on a protracted process of legal proceedings that might take years to complete. I would be concerned that there may be an adverse impact on the position of our citizen should we embark on the issue of legal proceedings. I acknowledge what the judge has said in a recent hearing of the case when he acknowledged that progress has been made, as well as the number of witnesses that have given evidence. I regard that as progress in the case. However, I do not engage in the putting of any positive spin on what is a very serious issue.

My Department deals with 3,000 consular cases annually. This is now heading towards ten consular cases a week and is a challenge that could be the subject matter of a particular debate here should the committee members require. This is one of the greatest challenges facing the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as a consequence of more Irish people travelling abroad more frequently. There was a 20% increase in the number of Irish passports and the Department is dealing with perhaps up to 30 new cases per week on a consular basis. No case in the history of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been accorded such priority or resourcing as the case of Ibrahim Halawa. I regret that the progress is such that we have not had a conclusion to the case. I wish to see it. I am concerned at the matter being adjourned, but adjourned now in recent times with progress having been reported. The return date of 4 July next is some weeks away.

It is important to note, in the context of Egypt's criminal justice system and the holding of courts there, that courts are not regularly held in the course of the Ramadan period. The return date is 4 July and the next hearing is to be scheduled for then. My officials will be present, as they have been on each and every occasion.

In the meantime, let me stress the importance of ensuring that health and welfare concerns, which have been brought to my Department's attention, are being fully dealt with by the Egyptian authorities in conjunction with full consultation with the Irish authorities. Our ambassador and team on the ground will continue to engage at consular level by way of visits and engaging with his family at every opportunity.

Senator Bacik mentioned EU-Russia relations both on the matter of the situation in Ukraine raised by Deputy Barrett and on Russian actions in Syria, which have been profoundly damaging to Europe's relations with Russia. The full implementation of Russia's obligations under the Minsk agreements remains a key concern for the European Union. What Senator Bacik has said in respect of Syria is a matter of continued concern. As a member of the European Union and as the sovereign Irish Government, we see a political, not a military, solution in Syria as being the only way forward. In the meantime, the Irish engagement to the relief of human suffering will continue.

On the Chairman's questions, I assure him that we will continue to prioritise the matter of Brexit in my Department. The Chairman mentioned EU sanctions in response to Russia's aggression towards Ukraine and Russia's continued involvement at what can only be described as an undermining of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The current sanctions have had an impact. The current sanctions remain a key source of influence. They are kept under review. The current round of EU restrictions on sanctions from an economic perspective has been extended to 23 June this year. They will be reviewed but in my view, any relaxation of sanctions must only be considered when there is clear evidence to support a measure of concrete progress that we all wish to see on the ground in eastern Ukraine. I am not sure if that is evident at present.

I will turn briefly to Senator Lawless's continued engagement, indeed leadership, in these Houses and beyond, on the matter of the undocumented Irish, which is a key priority for the Irish Government. I had the opportunity of raising the issue on my visit to the United States shortly after the inauguration of President Trump. It formed a key pillar of the Taoiseach's engagement in March. Our embassy in Washington, as well as our consulates across the United States remain fully in context with representatives of the Irish community. It is our priority. I would be happy to engage with Senator Lawless bilaterally or with this committee, in this regard. I note this is a longstanding issue in which the Chairman has expressed an interest and it is important for the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence of our Parliament to continue to engage at the highest level on this matter, the complexity and challenge of which is well known to us all.

Senator Mark Daly mentions honorary consuls - a network of 98. There is a practice and procedure involved by way of ensuring that these issues are not only kept under constant review but that there is a consistency in the manner in which these appointments and interactions are made. Officials have met Senator Daly and we would certainly be happy for them to do so again. I acknowledge the important role that our team of honorary consuls plays across the world. I note Senator Daly has raised some issues, with particularly reference to the United States. We would be happy to engage with him on that.

Issues with Turkey have been mentioned by Deputy Crowe and Senator Bacik. I would be happy to convey any message from this committee directly to the Turkish authorities. Following the committee's meeting last week with representatives of the Turkish political administration, I and my officials would be happy to take any position the committee might adopt, directly to the embassy or further at my opportunities, to convey the views of the committee to Turkish Ministers, either at Council of Europe level when we have the opportunity of direct engagement or in the context of my bilateral arrangements with Turkey. The issue of the post-coup climate in Turkey is one of concern, particularly with regard to human rights and in the aftermath of the recent referendum. I assure members of the committee that Ireland's voice will not be silent in raising these issues.