Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)

The Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, had a family bereavement at the weekend. That is the reason she is not present today. I am aware of the statement she made in April 2010, but she was an Opposition Deputy at the time. The Government's position is consistent with that of previous Governments, which is that it supports Turkey's candidacy for EU membership. Progress on this requires that established criteria are met. Progress on its EU membership is quite slow and is likely to take a number of years. It has been stalled over recent months. A number of areas must be addressed, including human rights issues. Ireland's official position is that it supports accession when and if that becomes appropriate.

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