Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

I am conscious that we have run over time and I will keep my remarks short. I thank Deputies for participating in this important debate. I do not set the Dáil's agenda, but I will take the Deputies' point on board and I hope we will allocate more time to this type of discussion in future.

The link between democracy and human rights was clearly established when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declared that the will of the people should be the basis of the authority of government and guaranteed to all the rights that were essential for effective political participation. It may be difficult for us to understand how radical the declaration was at the time. The determination and vision of its drafters, chief among them Ms Eleanor Roosevelt, produced a document that set out universal human rights as individuals for the first time. This fundamental shift recognised the inherent dignity and equality of all human beings regardless of colour, sex, religion or origin. A deeply held genuine respect for the qualities outlined in the declaration is the foundation upon which democracy can flourish.

I listened to Deputies' comments and accept that the EU is not perfect. In terms of the implementation of and support for the UN declaration globally, the EU is the strongest advocate of democracy and human rights and has been truest to the declaration's spirit among the major regions and blocs. This fact can be acknowledged in the Chamber at least.

The uprisings in the Arab world have reminded us that democracy, if it is to be lasting and robust, must be deep democracy. Protestors in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and elsewhere in the region demanded a systemic rather than a superficial change. This is the main challenge facing us. Votes and elections are important, but protestors want more than these. They demand an end to the corruption that stifles economic growth and freedom to express their opinions without fear of arbitrary detention, torture or death. They insist on reform, independent judiciaries, vibrant and free civil societies and impartial administrations. We can forget how fortunate we in this country are to have these rights and basic freedoms enshrined in our Constitution and integrated into our legal system.

Deep democracy is not just about changing governments, but also about building the right institutions and attitudes. As we know from our national and European history, the process of establishing a democracy is slow and multifaceted. It is a process rather than a one-off event.

Ireland and the EU hope to assist our Arab neighbours in this quest for deep democracies in three primary ways, the first of which is politically. The EU's approach has been fully set out in the joint communication launched on 25 May, entitled A New Response to a Changing Neighbourhood. I recommend that Members read this good document.

Second, the practical, technical and financial support for democratic transformation and institution building is an ongoing process. The EU has made available a €350 million package of support. A practical example of our help is the financing of an election monitoring mission in support of Tunisia's Constituent Assembly elections on 24 October. As part of the EU, Ireland is providing short and long-term monitors to the mission.

Third, Ireland and the EU will support sustainable and inclusive growth and economic development in the southern neighbourhood. The Government is determined to strengthen our trade relations with the countries in question, as the Arab spring represents a political and economic opportunity for all concerned.

The prospect of a ring of democratic and economically vibrant states across our southern shore and elsewhere in the Middle East is tantalising. Ireland and the EU are determined to do everything we can to make this vision a reality.

See this speech in context