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

Absolutely. To answer the question about whether supports have ever been stopped, I am not aware of that happening. There are sanctions on Turkey and Russia, but even with sanctions in place we have always continued to engage with countries. The EU was established and developed on the basis of dialogue. It is underpinned by the key fundamentals of democracy, human rights, freedom of expression and the rule of law. Any engagement that we have is underpinned by those core values. To be able to work with countries and incorporate those rights into their overall agenda, we need to be around the table engaging and talking to them. As I have said, the figure of €180 million over 27 years is a small amount, but it is a significant gesture of our desire to work with them. It is important that the funding goes directly to the people for whom it is meant. That is the manner in which the EU has always operated and will continue to operate. From my own point of view, working with my colleagues around the European table, these issues are continuously raised at every committee meeting on human rights. Again, I stress that we are much better within the fold than outside looking in. That is the best way to move forward.