Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Crowe referred to talks with the Kurds and Ireland continues to be a strong supporter of the peace talks between the Turkish Government and the PKK through the work of the conflict resolution unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. We have provided financial assistance through an international NGO, which has facilitated study visits to Ireland by Turkish and Kurdish MPs and by journalists and advisers who continue to work for peace. It is important that all sides move towards ceasing hostilities and return to political dialogue so that a peaceful resolution can be reached in that regard.

Senator Daly mentioned Brexit. I agree this remains an absolute priority. We have embarked on the implementation of the plan.

The new Cabinet committee, which is chaired by the Taoiseach and will involve representatives of almost all Departments, met again yesterday. We have augmented our team in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The new second Secretary General in the Department of the Taoiseach is leading a new integrated division in that Department which will be responsible for Brexit matters. The all-island conversation regarding Brexit is continuing. As members of the committee will be aware, the first meeting of the civic dialogue will take place on 2 November in Dublin. I urge all interested parties across all political divides to get involved in and assist that forum.

We are working closely with the State agencies. I chaired a meeting of the Export Trade Council earlier this week involving representatives of agencies, heads of Departments and a number of Ministers. We will continue to ensure we are fully prepared for this most serious challenge across a range of Departments. I am engaging with my colleagues in the EU, the UK and Northern Ireland. I will have a number of direct meetings with stakeholders in Derry tomorrow. I acknowledge the assistance and advocacy of Members of the Oireachtas. I know the Taoiseach will continue his engagement with all party leaders. It is important for us to continue to prepare the ground as best we can before the negotiations commence at the end of March.

I share Senator Mark Daly's concern that the recent court hearing in the case of Ibrahim Halawa did not take place. Since that date, I have had an opportunity to discuss the matter further and to relay once again the concern of the Oireachtas and the Irish people in this regard to a number of my EU colleagues and directly to my Egyptian counterpart, Mr. Shoukry. I will be happy to keep the committee fully informed of developments. The Government's priority is to secure the early release of Mr. Halawa from custody and, in the meantime, to make every effort to ensure his health and welfare are looked after.

I welcome Senator Lawless to this committee and to the Seanad. I know he has an important agenda as he deals with the ongoing issues of the undocumented Irish in the US and the health, welfare and circumstances of all our diaspora across that country. The appointment of Senator Lawless to the Upper House was an important one. I acknowledge the work he has already undertaken in that regard. I do not believe significant progress will be made on this issue between now and 8 November. I assure the committee that as soon as the new US Administration is settled, I will be happy to commence a further round of high-level contacts on this issue. I acknowledge the assistance and influence of Senator Lawless in that regard.

Senator Lawless also raised a number of issues regarding direct provision and undocumented immigrants in this country. I would be happy to discuss these issues with my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, who is responsible for them. It might be appropriate for Senator Lawless and the Tánaiste to have a bilateral engagement on the issues raised by the Senator this morning. I would be happy to convey his comments and concerns directly to the Tánaiste following this meeting.

I acknowledge the remarks of Deputies Darragh O'Brien and Sean Barrett and Senator Mark Daly regarding the statement of strategy on Irish neutrality. There is not and should not be any doubt about the position of Irish neutrality. The long-standing policy of Irish neutrality is continuing. It is acknowledged in the European treaties, particularly the Lisbon treaty, that there can be no European army. Some people inside and outside this House have suggested that there could be such an army. I acknowledge the role of our peacekeepers and the importance of our membership of the UN. I agree fully with Deputy Barrett's comments. As far as our neutrality is concerned, Ireland continues to exercise a large measure of influence on the international stage, particularly at UN level, precisely because of our objectivity and neutrality. That is the view of the Government and this Parliament. It is certainly my view. I do not see any circumstances under which that might change.