Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Will the Minister indicate whether adequate emphasis is being placed by the European Union on the need for Turkey to accelerate its programme to bring its institutions into line with EU norms? Will he indicate whether there is reluctance on the part of the Turkish authorities to accelerate this programme or whether they are taking their cue from the diverse opinions sometimes expressed within the European Union? For example, the Presidency of the European Union could always be deemed to have a leading, influential expression in this regard. To what extent has that manifested itself at this time? Is there likely to be progress on the sharing of the ports and on the acceptance of vessels from Cyprus into Turkish ports?

Finally, does the Minister think it is a good idea to allow the negotiations to drag on for 12 to 14 years? Is it the intention to stabilise the European Union and bring conditions related to human rights, including women's rights, in Turkey into line with the Union? Would it be better to proceed as intended or would it be better to have a clearly defined pattern whereby recognition could be available for all groups within a reasonable time, which would motivate them in their attitude?

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