Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

At the outset, Deputy Higgins made the point that he was not satisfied with the answers he received during his visit. This disturbs me because I am aware that the High Representative would be concerned about that. I will draw that particular aspect of the Deputy's observation to the High Representative's attention. I accept the point made by the Deputy, particularly regarding the human rights deficiencies and the view that has been put forward by the United States. Nonetheless, the agreement is good and the monitoring system that is being put in place certainly is better than anything that exists at present. I am not in a position to state whether it will be treated in the manner requested by the Deputy, namely, as a mixed agreement, which would require separate ratification at Council level, at European Parliament level and at individual member state level. I am unsure whether this is the case and must check the facts in this regard. I am unsure whether this is the legal reality. However, I certainly will revert to the Deputy on that subject.

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