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

Ibrahim Halawa's case was referred to by several speakers. Last week, his trial was postponed for the 18th time. Did the Taoiseach raise the situation of this EU citizen at the last meeting of the European Council and will he raise it again at the next one? Did he seek the support of other European Heads of State to address Mr. Halawa's situation?

The President of Cyprus recently made a presentation to the European Council about the reunification negotiations. We wish the Cypriot Government and people well in those difficult discussions. Did the Taoiseach have a discussion with the Cypriot President on the matter? What is Ireland's position on those ongoing negotiations?

I have referred to the concerns regarding Turkey's status as a country of safe origin. I understand the importance of not closing anyone off, but the criteria being used are open to question and the leaked document indicating that UNHCR personnel are being refused access to refugee camps is of particular concern. Were those matters discussed at the Council meeting and are there plans to take action in that regard? I have expressed concern on several occasions in regard to Libya, which is clearly a failed state. Mali is moving in the same direction. There are huge problems in Turkey and we seem to be replicating the same model for other countries.

The Syrian situation was discussed at the European Council meeting. Yesterday the EU envoy to Syria said a final declaration was close to being achieved at the indirect talks between Syrian rebels and the Syrian Government in Kazakhstan. Does the Government support those face-to-face negotiations between the Syrian Administration and the armed opposition? The point has been made that the EU seems to be pulling back from the negotiations, notwithstanding the very positive spin we are hearing about the progress being made. Is it a missed opportunity that Europe is not involved in that process?

Militarisation in Europe is happening through the so-called permanent structured co-operation system and the proposal to establish a European defence fund. Will Ireland be playing a full part in those projects?

Did the Taoiseach raise any concerns around any of this or is it Government policy to support the further militarisation of the EU and the creation of an EU army?

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