Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 31 May 2018

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence

Foreign Affairs Council: Discussion

2:00 pm

Photo of Seán CroweSeán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is a narrative that the Iranians have broken the agreement. Is there any evidence of that in the three years after it was signed? There is a belief the Iranians have lived up to the commitments in the deal yet sanctions have never been lifted. Is there any conclusive or convincing evidence to show that Iran has violated the deal? It seems to be working. There is a divergence with regard to Europe. At the meeting, did the Tánaiste distance Ireland from, and speak out against, President Trump's actions? I would like to hear what the Irish position is.

With regard to the Democratic Republic of Congo, we do not have enough time to go through it. It has experienced multiple humanitarian crises. Does the Tánaiste believe that new, transparent and accountable elections must be held this year as planned? There is worrying news of a new outbreak of Ebola in the country. Is Ireland doing anything to assist local or international responses? In addition to supporting the immediate lifesaving needs - a lot of countries pulled out after the Ebola crisis - the country needs attention and support.

The Tánaiste mentioned Syria and the number of people who have died. I said before that as a result of Ireland's unique position in the world there might be a role for us to play in Syria. Does the Tánaiste share that view? What can we do? How can we get discussions going? How are we supporting international efforts on this. A lasting ceasefire is needed. Was there any discussion about the Turks moving into parts of Syria? Was there any criticism?

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