Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I congratulate Deputy Murphy on his appointment some weeks ago as Vice Chairman of this committee, a role he took over from the new Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Donohoe. I welcome the Minister of State and his staff from the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Taoiseach, representatives of many of the embassies of the 28 member states in Ireland, and members of the media, who are very important to convey the message of the Minister of State's work. The Minister of State has outlined in a very constructive and comprehensive manner the details of the meeting of the General Affairs Council and there is nothing in that with which I would disagree. That is excellent work, particularly in respect of the digital centre and such developments, which will have marvellous benefits for job creation.

I would like, however, to draw attention to matters that are not covered in the Minister of State's script or plans. The European Union is not taking an active role on the situation in Palestine. We are too passive. The European Union is a major contributor to the Palestinians. We have influence in that region but we do not exert ourselves enough. I hope that the Minister of State will be briefed on the present position regarding the peace negotiations which are generally being de-railed. Nevertheless, we must keep the dialogue going between Palestine and Israel. The European Union has a major influence in that region.

Turkey's accession has been delayed. There is no tremendous enthusiasm among the 28 member states for it. Ireland is seen to be very fair. I know from speaking to our Turkish friends at the Council of Europe that they are well aware of how supportive Ireland is. A key point in Turkey's joining the EU is that it is an Islamic state. This would bring a new dimension to the working of the Union, to have a multicultural Union, with Islamic influence, which will help in respect of the growth of Islam worldwide.

In respect of Turkey the Cyprus question cannot be ignored. It must be resolved. The division of Cyprus between Turkey and Greece is a tragedy. Famagusta is a ghost city in the Europe of 2013 and nothing is being done about it. Ireland should play a more important role. We are divided and we played an important role in the peace process, which sets an example.

Our country has a record for having sent many missionaries to Africa and around the world. Europe should develop a peace corps, of young and not so young people. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a voluntary scheme but there could be a European dimension by which we joined up to work in the Third World, to show the Third World that the EU is concerned about it. For example, approximately 1 million people live in shanty towns in Nairobi, the same is true of South Africa and so on. The Minister of State might consider this concept. Maybe in this committee - although it may not really be our remit - we could consider a structure to put forward an idea or come up with a new policy or idea to say we can do something. It would create employment, even in the short term. It would take very talented people and put them to work in areas where their skills would be appreciated. Thank you.