Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That will not be possible because I have committed to addressing the issue of Russia.

I did not answer two of Deputy Crowe's questions. Very briefly, on the common consolidated corporate tax base, CCCTB, our priority will be to seek agreement on the proposal that will tackle further hybrid mismatches. The Commission recently published a series of corporate tax proposals, which include the re-launch of the CCCTB. The Department of Finance is examining this and I will be happy to deal with it more specifically at the next meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs.

Deputy Haughey is aware that the renewal of Europe was the subject of the leaders' summit in Bratislava. In parallel to the security, migration and economic crises and now also Brexit, the challenge for the remaining 27 member states is to continue to deal with and not to forget the bread and butter issues that matter to the citizens of Ireland and the other 26 member states, including youth unemployment, in particular, job creation and other social issues.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to wrap up this debate. It has been a long and detailed meeting and we can continue the work with the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs. The European Council meeting had a long and detailed strategic policy discussion on Russia and there has been a need for some time for this discussion, as Members will be aware. It is important to state from the outset that Ireland wants to have, and wants the European Union to have, a stable and strong relationship with Russia in the long term. This is in all our interests and consistent with our European values. Notwithstanding a number of different positions of detail, it is fair to say that this objective is shared and was shared by member states at the European Council meeting. It is important to stress that there is a strong sense of unity with respect to Russia and that strategic goal over the long term.

However, there has been quite clearly a serious deterioration in relations between Russia and the European Union in recent years. The conflict in Ukraine is central to this but there is also the matter of Russia's involvement in the Syrian conflict and the European Council's adopted conclusions reflected this reality. In March the European Union agreed a set of five principles to guide our relations with Russia and Ireland agrees that these principles remain the structure through which we must move forward.

On the positive side, one of the key points in the discussion was the recognition that there is some merit in engaging selectively with Russia on individual issues and on specific sectoral areas that are of interest to our European Union. However, we must be clear that any resumption of selected dialogues should be gradual and used by the EU to seek a change in Russian behaviour. As I stated, the conflict in eastern Ukraine remains central to this overall relationship. It is very hard to believe that two years after signing the Minsk agreement we are still here calling for a stable ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. This remains a matter of deep concern for us all. We can be very clear on what needs to happen. The path for a resolution of the conflict is set out clearly in the Minsk agreement.

The European Union has been totally consistent in linking the economic sanctions imposed in 2014 to the complete implementation of the Minsk accords. The decision to impose such measures, which also have negative economic consequences for EU member states, is an indication of the seriousness with which we regard Russia's destabilising actions in eastern Ukraine. There needs to be an urgent de-escalation of hostilities in the conflict zone and Russia needs to use its influence to help ensure the full implementation of the agreements. Sanctions cannot and should not be amended before this happens.

The European Council meeting was clear that the EU will never recognise Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea which took place in 2014. This will remain an important principle in our approach. Unfortunately, there has been no major change in policy by Russia or any indication that it is seeking to improve its relationship with the European Union. While this is highly regrettable, it is also a matter of fact.

As the Taoiseach outlined, the position in Syria was also discussed and there was unanimous condemnation of the attacks by the Syrian Government and its allies, most notably Russia, on Aleppo. We are all shocked and outraged by the appalling scenes of suffering we are witnessing. The excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate use of military force against people in Aleppo is a clear violation of international law. The Dáil heard statements on the conflict in Syria just last week and Ireland continues to call for these atrocities to end, unhindered humanitarian access to be provided and the resumption of a credible political process under United Nations auspices. It is worth recalling that the European Council's position is that all options remain under consideration if the current atrocities continue, including sanctions if necessary. Ireland supports this position.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, has conveyed Ireland's concerns regarding Syria, in particular the city of Aleppo, directly to the Russian ambassador in the clearest possible terms, most recently on 24 October. I join him in urging Russia to use all of its influence in Syria to end these inhumane actions against a defenceless civilian population.

Notwithstanding the appalling circumstances in Syria and our strong condemnation of Russia's role, it is important to note the European Union can take steps to bring about positive change. The EU is a beacon of hope to many people. Our values of democracy and tolerance remain a shining light to those suffering oppression and we must remain engaged to help them. For example, it is of great importance that the EU maintains its support for civil society in Russia, which is now very vulnerable. To reiterate, while we desire a strong and stable relationship with Russia over the long-term and we must bear in mind this goal in future, we do not expect any significant change in the European Union's approach if Russia does not change its ways.

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