Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do. It is important that I read the script. It deals with issues that the Taoiseach promised I would raise and it is important the Dáil be apprised of them. I thank everybody for their participation in the debate.

On 8 December, I participated in a meeting of European affairs ministers online, where we prepared the agenda for the European Council of leaders. Unfortunately, it is not possible to have side discussions when a meeting is held online. We had a good discussions on Covid, the MFF recovery package and climate. We were briefed by Michel Barnier and Maroš Šefčovič on the state of play of the negotiations with the UK, the trade agreement, the future relationship agreement and the withdrawal agreement as well. The Taoiseach reported on these items in his opening remarks this afternoon and I have replied to a number of follow-up questions on those issues too. These are the most exciting issues with which Europe is dealing now in terms of the difference it can make for people in regard to the serious problems they face, including the Covid life and death situation, the MFF, which is about the life and death for our economy, and climate life and death issues. The European Union is coming together, which is a complicated process in that there are 27 member states involved, to get real answers and solutions for our citizens across the Continent.

In addition, I met other European Union affairs ministers and we discussed security, the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. We also discussed relations with the so-called southern neighbourhood, which is the countries bordering the southern and eastern edge of the Mediterranean, relations with Turkey and EU-US relations as well. All of these issues were then subsequently on the agenda of EU leaders, which included the Taoiseach, when they met in the European Council last Thursday, throughout the night until about 11 o'clock on Friday morning. EU leaders reiterated their condemnation of recent terrorist attacks in France and Austria and welcomed the presentation by the Commission of a new EU agenda for counter-terrorism.

Among the issues discussed was the need to tackle the dissemination of terrorist content online. Ireland agrees there is a pressing need to advance work on this issue. We strongly support efforts to progress this matter. I heard what Deputy Boyd Barrett said about the workers who have to deal with this type of content and I take on board his point. The leaders also discussed how to facilitate closer co-operation between law enforcement and judicial authorities, both online and offline.

On the southern partnership, EU leaders agreed in October to discuss relations with the southern neighbourhood. In the time ahead, the Commission and High Representative Borrell will make proposals for a renewed partnership on Libya. The European Council recalled the offer to support the Libyan coastguard through training and monitoring, as well as the provision of equipment and vessels in accordance with international law.

In regard to Turkey, before the next European Council in March 2021 High Representative Borrell and the Commission will compile a report on the situation in the eastern Mediterranean and EU-Turkey relations. They will present options on how to proceed, including the possible extension of restrictive measures. I welcome that High Representative Borrell will also forward a proposal for a multilateral conference on the eastern Mediterranean and I welcome the commentary of the incoming US Government around its commitment to multilateralism, in which Ireland has always been very proud to be involved. We want to see the development of a more stable and constructive relationship with Turkey, but for this to occur, Turkey needs to actively engage in finding solutions to current tensions, in addition to refraining from negative and provocative actions for a sustained period. Ireland stands firmly with Greece and Cyprus and what they have to suffer at this time.

On EU-US relations, the leaders took the opportunity of their first meeting in person since the presidential election in the United States to consider relations with the US. Ireland hopes to play an important role. The European Council highlighted the importance of a strong strategic transatlantic partnership in light of the need to tackle pressing global challenges. The Taoiseach has noted the opportunity to reset relations with the US and to work closely with President-elect Biden, who shares the EU's commitment to multilateralism. Ireland will play its part in making the connections and building that partnership between the EU and the incoming Biden Administration.

In addition to the issues I have already mentioned, EU leaders emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of the Belarusian nuclear power plant at Astravets. The Commission will investigate possible measures to prevent commercial electricity imports from nuclear facilities in third countries if they do not meet EU safety standards. EU leaders welcomed the adoption by foreign ministers earlier last week of an EU global human rights sanctions regime. They also agreed that sanctions on Russia should be rolled over on 31 January.

Gabhaim buíochas leis na Teachtaí go léir as ceisteanna tábhachtacha a chur orm agus tá súil agam go raibh mé in ann na freagraí cuí a thabhairt ar ais dóibh. Leathnóidh an Taoiseach ar aghaidh ag tabhairt tuarascála ón gComhairle Eorpach roimh agus i ndiaidh na gcruinnithe. Tá sé an-tábhachtach go bhfuil an freagracht dhaonlathach ansin maidir leis an gComhairle Eorpach agus go bhfuil spéis ag Teachtaí sa Teach seo sna tarlúintí ag an gComhairle sin.

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