Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I will mention some items not covered by the Taoiseach in his opening speech, namely the conclusions on Iran and Afghanistan, which I will share with Members.

Following prior agreement at the Foreign Affairs Council on 8 December, the European Council approved a declaration on Iran which called for a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear question, set out the European Union's grave concerns regarding Iran's persistent failure to meet its international obligations and urged Iran to co-operate with the IAEA. The declaration also addressed the human rights situation in the country as well as the position of the British Embassy staff and that of Ms Clotilde Reiss, a French national who has been detained. The situation in Iran remains tense in the wake of the regime's hardline response to the Ashura protests of 27 December, which has led to at least eight deaths - although unofficially the figure is judged to be significantly higher - and hundreds if not thousands of people being detained, which is overwhelming the already crowded prisons.

The regime has again blamed outside interference for the protests and has intensified its campaign against what it represents as foreign enemies. The United States has described as absurd Iran's claim that it was behind a car bomb that killed an Iranian nuclear scientist in Tehran last week. The tension has been heightened by calls in the Iranian Parliament for the swift execution of all those guilty of what was claimed to be opposition to the regime. The response to the Ashura protests and its aftermath, which was roundly condemned by President Obama in the E3, regrettably reduces the potential for the outreach by the United States to Iran. The E3+3 Geneva dialogue, which had held out some promise, now effectively is stalled and attention has turned to the second track, namely, the possibility of securing a resolution providing for increased sanctions against Iran at the Security Council.

While the Heads of State or Government did not discuss Afghanistan at the European Council, it was thought to be the right time to issue a declaration in response to the major policy statement made on Afghanistan by President Obama on 1 December. In its declaration, the Council reiterated the strong commitment of the European Union to promoting stability and development in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Council also welcomed President Obama's policy statement. The priority needs for the country include the Afghanisation of security, policing and reconstruction operations. This will require concerted efforts to strengthen Afghan capacity. The Council also is clear that corruption must be tackled and governance improved. The European Union is firmly committed to raising human rights standards and, in particular, to improving the role of women in Afghan society. The option of trying to attract Taliban members who are prepared to renounce violence back into the political and social mainstream also is worth pursuing. An international conference on Afghanistan will be held in London on 20 January at which I will represent the Government. It will set out the steps that must be taken by the Government of Afghanistan and its international partners to turn around the situation in that country.

On the Oireachtas response to the Lisbon treaty's clauses relating to parliamentary scrutiny, decisions on the best type of instrument and mechanism to be developed in Ireland must come from the Oireachtas because this matter primarily and specifically relates to the Oireachtas. However, Members on this side of the House stand ready to help in any way they can.

See this speech in context