Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 5 July 2017

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs

European Agenda Developments: Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

2:00 pm

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the fisheries issue, I share members' concerns. This is part of the negotiation process and nothing can happen within the two years. I know that the Minister, Deputy Creed is very conscious of this matter and is already dealing with it, with his Department. Obviously I will work very closely with him on this.

On security and defence, Ireland's neutrality has never come into question. Any decision to change that position would always have to come back to the Irish people. We are, however, facing a different type of threat. I am glad the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is particularly focusing on the free movement of data as being the fifth freedom. As we have recently seen, incitement to hatred and the radicalisation of people online is not something that Ireland can step away from or stand back from. We must work with EU member states on it. While it is not about an army on the ground there is a lot of work we can do. I am glad to see that it is a focus for the next Council Presidency.

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