Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael)
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I thank Mr. Lambrinidis for his contribution. He mentioned the Council of Europe and the neighbourhood policy. His Greek origin would make him appreciative of the valuable role the Council of Europe can play, because 47 states are involved in it. In my contributions to the council, I have noticed that the states that are outside the European Union take their membership of the council very seriously. It could be an important arena that could make a contribution and I would like Mr. Lambrinidis to expand on his role in that area.

Mr. Lambrinidis also mentioned organisations such as the UN, the OSCE and the African Union. How does he interact with those groups and how is there not duplication in the case of a country at which he is looking or with which he is trying to engage in dialogue? When he was speaking I was struck by the number of organisations that are involved in human rights as well as NGOs. Mr. Lambrinidis has probably addressed the NGO issue. It is a matter of preventing duplication and ensuring that there is engagement with the particular country. How does that operate in practice?