Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Has the undemocratic nature of the Brexit been discussed with the UK Prime Minister, David Cameron?

To date only 322 refugees have been resettled, meaning these humanitarian schemes are clearly failing. What solutions is the Government putting forward for this? Is there any idea of the number of refugees coming to Ireland in 2016?

On the role of Turkey against the Kurds, along with curfews imposed, will concerns about this partner - this rogue partner - be raised in the future? Much money, almost €3 billion, is being pumped into that whole region. What about the ongoing issue with Israeli settlements?

Germany's finance Minister, Wolfgang Schäuble, has proposed an EU-wide tax on petrol to cover the costs of the refugee crisis and, specifically, to secure the Schengen external borders. Again, he has not given any details as to how the tax would be collected and if Brussels would be in charge of the moneys raised. Has the Cabinet discussed this proposal? What is Ireland's view on this?

The Syrian conflict is creating the bulk of refugees, yet many countries have helped intensify the conflict by providing arms and covert support to militant groups in the region. I note the issue was discussed at the Council meeting and I welcome the statement supporting a political process to bring peace to the country. Will Ireland play any part in the Syria conference to be held in London in February?

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP, was referred to in flowery and positive language. Has there any been Council discussions about the potential lawsuit being brought by TransCanada against the US Government? TransCanada is suing the US Government to the tune of $15 billion because it had to cancel plans to build its environmentally disastrous Keystone XL pipeline. Two lawsuits against the US Government will not take place under US law or in the US courts but, apparently, under the secret arbitration process, ISDS, the investor-state dispute settlement. Have any concerns been raised about what this process holds for EU governments if we push ahead with TTIP?

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