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

On the issue of the UNHCR commentary and access to the camps, if it is in order, I will provide Deputy Crowe a separate note on the specific response to that.

I note the Ceann Comhairle and a cross-party group visited Ibrahim Halawa. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Flanagan, is just joining me. This has been the issue most raised by the Minister over recent years. While we welcome that the trial is ongoing, Deputy Crowe's initial question was asked when the Taoiseach was present and the Taoiseach asked me to inform the Deputy that he has twice raised the matter directly with the Egyptian premier. Given the attendance of the Ceann Comhairle and representatives of the Dáil, it is an area where we have shared concerns. As I say, the court case is ongoing.

With respect to Deputy Crowe's question on the unification of Cyprus, I have been present at meetings involving both Turkish and, more particularly, Cypriot representatives. We must really wish them the very best. Their discussions are proceeding in a positive light. It is clearly a matter for dialogue and discussion between Cyprus and Turkey. We are all aware that this has been an issue for many decades. The position of the Irish Government is to be extremely supportive of the process that seems to be progressing very well.

With respect to Syria and the UN envoy, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, of course, we support the ongoing work that the envoy is doing there. The envoy has an extremely difficult and challenging task.

With respect to Deputy Crowe's question on Turkey, the Irish Government position is in line with the position as articulated by Deputy Ryan. It is, of course, accurate to state that there are issues which give cause for significant concern for the European Union and for the democratic values we hold, especially with respect to the rule of law, the freedom of opposition and the freedom of the press. The European Parliament has taken a different position from the one taken by the European Council. The European Council's position, which is supported by the Irish Government, is that we must continue to allow a pathway towards the European Union to countries in our neighbourhood because that pathway will encourage - to be blunt, force - these countries to adopt the fundamental principles of democracy, freedom of expression and the rule of law that we hold dear. I agree that for us to close off that option would not be in the best interests of the opposition in Turkey or the people of Turkey generally.

There are no plans for a European Union army. We do not support it, but that issue was off the table and is accepted as such by all member states.

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