Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Crowe mentioned Morocco and Western Sahara.

There are a number of investigations, which are consequent on the referendum. A number of reports have been sought. They are not yet completed. Indeed, given the close result of the referendum, 51.3% to 49.7%, there are a number of reports, from the OSCE, the Council of Europe and others, expected in the course of the summer months. Ireland will frame its position on the basis of the result of these reports.

Briefly, on Western Sahara and Morocco, Ireland categorised Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory. We support the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. We do not have a firm view of the outcome of that decision - whether it is autonomy, integration or some other solution in the form of a number of options - provided that this is decided on the basis of a genuine exercise of self-determination.

We have taken careful note of a Court of Justice decision of last year before the end of the year and the possible renegotiation of the association agreement or amendments to the association agreement is currently under discussion at EU level. This is a complex issue. It will involve charting a way towards the reconciliation of practical issues, such as certifying the origin of goods and the monitoring of implementation with matters of principle relating to the consent or otherwise of the people of the region in Western Sahara. I would be happy to keep the committee appraised of developments in that regard.