Michael Mulcahy (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Allen for raising this matter. This is a day for EU scrutiny and debate, and I feel that such an important decision was probably discussed as a matter on the agenda before the Council. However, I am sure the Minister would not object to appearing before the Committee on European Affairs once again to discuss it. It is entirely appropriate that we monitor this. I wish to be associated with Deputy Allen's remarks. There were democratic elections in that part of the world, and there is no reason for the EU to change its rules on assistance in this regard.

See this speech in context