Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am not asking the Deputy to take a pat on the head from anybody. A number of left-wing leaders were complimentary of the efforts being made by this country and its people to deal with our challenge.

With regard to the discussions about the Middle East, a detailed report was given by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, to the group, which included a response to what is happening in Libya and in Syria and the consequences for people who are fleeing to the borders of neighbouring countries. In particular, Baroness Ashton referred to the horrendous activities on the Syrian-Turkish border when Syrian tanks were less than ten miles from that border, and the appalling and outrageous breaches of human rights which included women being lined up naked for rape. This was a matter of serious concern to the European Council. There was an insertion into the conclusions with regard to the movement of ships to Gaza, and Prime Minister Papandreou was particularly concerned about a number of ships which would be leaving Grecian ports to head there. There was a general conclusion that there should be restraint. That discussion was about what could be done to prevent what happened on the last occasion, which was of concern. The Council did consider that matter in its deliberations on Friday morning.

See this speech in context