Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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In response to the Deputy's first question, I am not in a position to comment on any action or otherwise that might be taken by the Russian Government in response to yesterday's action but I would ask the committee to note that Russia has announced it will take a measured response. I repeat my call for restraint on all sides in what is a difficult and challenging time for Europe. The attacks in Paris, and previous attacks both in Europe and beyond, highlight the fact that international terrorism has no regard or respect for international boundaries. We continue to work at EU level, however, and it is important that we accept that the European Union is a force for good, stability and peace. It is important also that we use our collective response in a way that ensures we play our part on the international stage and the approach from the European Union must be comprehensive.

Deputy Byrne is right that we must address the underlying causes of so much conflict and so many displaced persons. We must promote a narrative that counters the propaganda of Daesh and terrorists, and work within the European Union and the United Nations in that regard. It is important we ensure our fundamental principles are very much to the fore. That will involve challenges for Ireland in terms of our active engagement of a type that perhaps we have not seen in the past by way of resolve.

On the specific area of Eritrea, we continue to provide a financial contribution and we will continue to work closely with the Government and communities on what is an ongoing and deeply worrying crisis in that country. We are looking to how we can provide direct assistance in Eritrea. The Deputy will be aware of the very difficult environment there but we work closely with the United Nations and its humanitarian arrangements in that country.

On the matter of Moldova, I had the opportunity recently of attending an Eastern Partnership meeting with my EU colleagues covering updates on many countries in the neighbourhood. The situation in Moldova continues to be of great concern, particularly following the dismissal of the Government due to a vote of no confidence by parliament. It is important that a new government be formed soon. In the meantime, without an acceptable government, Ireland agrees with the necessity to suspend EU funding to Moldova pending a reform programme, which will have to be more meaningful than that we have seen to date. It will involve efforts on the part of the Government to come together in a way that ensures authority and the rule of law. I would be happy to engage with the Deputy further on the particular area of Moldova.