Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I agree with the Taoiseach that several of the points made have moved away from the central focus of the three questions tabled. That is a mistake. I hope the Taoiseach will be in a position to advise us of the continuing efforts being made by Ireland, the European Union and other influences to address the ongoing strained relationship between Georgia and Russia. The fact that this issue is not featuring prominently in our print media and broadcast reportage does not mean the problem is done and dusted. Far from it.

Does the Taoiseach agree that the potential for further renewed tension and even conflict between Georgia and Russia is very real and that the situation is far from resolved? Does he agree that much of the backdrop to this strained relationship is the relationship now enjoyed by Georgia as an ally of the United States and the direct participation of significant numbers of Georgian troops in the US war in Iraq? Does the Taoiseach further agree that there is understandable concern in Russia at the intent of Georgia to secure membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, NATO, and that Russia, as a major nuclear power, has real and understandable concerns at the advent of another nuclear power on its borders?

Will the Taoiseach outline whether these matters, including the role of NATO and its proposed expansion, were addressed in the course of the EU summit on Georgia? What position, if any, has the Government taken in urging an ongoing address of the situation there, recognising that it is through negotiation that a peaceful resolution may be secured, which is far preferable to the emergence of conflict once again, which I all too sadly add is as predictable as it was inevitable as it presented during 2007? Rather than relaxing, we should be doing more to guarantee there is peaceful coexistence between these two neighbouring nations.

See this speech in context