Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Regarding North Macedonia, like the previous speaker, we were very disappointed with the outcome of the October European Council meeting. Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, Deputy Helen McEntee stated that in this room at this meeting and we were very supportive of this candidacy. Again, like the previous speaker, we hope that the General Affairs Council meeting on 19 November will kickstart the process again with, ultimately, the EU-western Balkans summit in May 2020. All of us would agree that were North Macedonia in the European Union, it would be a great source of stability for the region, for the western Balkans and so forth. I am sure that the chargé d'affairesis aware that he has our full support.

I note the Turkish ambassador's comments in his conclusion which stated that:

Turkey considers itself as part of the European family. We are a long standing member of all European structures. Against all odds, becoming a full member of the EU, and I emphasize full member, is still our strategic objective.

I also have to question that statement. There are concerns about Turkey's Government and its authoritarian style at this time. There are major issues of concern issues on the rule of law and the freedom of the press. We have to question Turkey's commitment to joining the European Union and to subscribing to its values. I appreciate that this is a long process that started some time ago.

What is the domestic support for the European Union in Turkey? I am sure that opinion is divided on the issue. Is Turkey a genuine European country? I am aware that Europe and the Middle East straddles its border. Can the ambassador categorically say that Turkey is of the European family, and is a European country at heart?

On the EU-Turkey deal regarding Syrian refugees, could the ambassador comment on how he considers that is working? Does it need to be reconsidered and does he think it is in the interests of both Turkey and the EU? I am interested in the Turkish Government's perspective on that particular deal as it is panning out.

It would certainly be in everybody's interest, as the ambassador has stated, for Turkey to be in the EU for stability in the region and for peace and progress generally. Subject to those few queries, Ireland is very supportive of this long-term goal, provided Turkey meets all of the different criteria.

There is concern in this country on the military activity on the border, as mentioned by Senator Richmond, and the plight of the Kurds. What is the Turkish Government's view and what are its aims and objectives are in this regard? From an Irish perspective, we would take a humanitarian view of the situation and be very concerned about the plight of refugees. I would welcome the ambassador's comments on these matters, please.