Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We all roundly condemn the recent terrorist attacks in Turkey. We pass on our condolences to the Turkish people and Government. However, I specifically asked about the Government's view on proposed changes to the Turkish constitution. Those would confer additional powers on President Erdoğan. If those changes come to pass, does the Minister see that affecting Turkey's bid for EU membership?

Deputy Wallace alluded to the continuing operation of the third-party arrangement on the migrant deal with Turkey, which I have questioned the Minister about before. Does the Minister think these changes will affect that deal? I have been critical of the deal and I do not believe we should be part of that arrangement.

There appears to be a major crackdown on civil rights in Turkey. Some 90 journalists are still in prison following the attempted coup. These matters need to be addressed, so I would be interested to hear our Government's view on them.

See this speech in context