Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I condemn human rights abuses in Turkey and have already expressed that concern on behalf of Ireland at meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels and also at the Council of Europe in the presence of the Turkish Foreign Minister. I have also had an opportunity for direct engagement with Turkish representatives recently.

The EU member states, including Ireland, are keeping the situation in Turkey under constant review. I acknowledge that the trends in recent times are negative. As a candidate country for EU membership, Turkey is expected to adhere to basic democratic norms and respect European values. The clear back-sliding in this regard, as evidenced by Deputy O'Brien, is a matter of concern.

The European Union is considering how best to influence Turkey and encourage a commitment to the return of what we would regard as essential human rights and fundamental freedoms.

5 o’clock

This was discussed at a meeting of the General Affairs Council in December. I assure the Deputy that this discussion will continue in the coming months and Ireland's voice will be heard.

See this speech in context