Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1: To ask the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the outcome of the special EU summit on Georgia held on 1 September 2008. [30105/08]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 2: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the recent special European Council summit to discuss the situation in Georgia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32693/08]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 3: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his participation in and the outcome of the special European Council meeting on Georgia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43738/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together.

I attended the extraordinary European Council in Brussels on 1 September 2008 which was convened to discuss the crisis in Georgia. I was accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin. The European Council strongly condemned the Russian Federation's unilateral decision to recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and reiterated its support for Georgian territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The European Council also welcomed the six-point agreement achieved on 12 August 2008, on the basis of the European Union's mediation efforts, that led to a ceasefire, improved delivery of humanitarian aid to the victims and a substantial withdrawal of Russian military forces. It indicated that the EU would be willing to contribute to an international monitoring force as outlined in the six-point plan. This was confirmed in the agreement reached on 8 September between Presidents Sarkozy and Medvedev, which also called for talks on the situation to commence on 15 October. The EU has fulfilled its commitment under that agreement to have a monitoring force on the ground in Georgia by 1 October and I am pleased that Ireland has been able to provide four personnel to assist that effort.

The talks inaugurated in Geneva on 15 October 2008 under the joint auspices of the EU special representative for the crisis in Georgia, Mr. Pierre Morel, and the OSCE and UN are a welcome development. These talks are aimed at achieving a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the conflict. Sessions were held on 18 and 19 November and on 17 and 18 December 2008, which achieved some progress on issues related to security and the humanitarian situation of those affected by the conflict. A fourth session is scheduled to take place on 17 and 18 February next.

An international donors' conference took place on 22 October 2008 in Brussels which brought together 71 countries and delegations. The conference was opened by Commissioner Ferrero Waldner and the president of the World Bank, Mr. Satso, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Georgia, the French Foreign Minister, Mr. Kouchner, the Czech Foreign Minister, Mr. Schwarzenberg, and the President of the European Commission, Mr. Barroso. The total amount pledged at the conference was €3.6 billion. I am pleased that Ireland was able to pledge €2 million in development assistance for Georgia from 2008 to 2010.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, visited Georgia from 19 to 21 November 2008 to assess the situation on the ground. He had meetings with the Georgian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and also met with the Irish monitoring team of the EU monitoring mission.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is a measure of how out of date our procedures are that this question, which was tabled in early September, has only now come around for reply. When one considers that it concerns an issue that was then a crisis, the conflict between Russia and Georgia, one sees that it is necessary to do something about how these questions are selected for reply.

The EU responded quickly and effectively to the Georgian crisis. Much of the credit for that must go to President Sarkozy who responded very quickly. Can the Taoiseach tell us why the European Union was not able to respond as quickly or as effectively to the crisis in Gaza? When Russia engaged with Georgia, the Union was able to act quickly, deal with the situation and get a result. Israel launched an assault and invaded Gaza and the European Union seemed absolutely powerless to do anything about it. A total of 1,300 people are dead and there is major destruction in the area. Is there any way to explain why there was effective action in Georgia and no action worth talking about in Gaza?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I agree with Deputy Gilmore about the timing and tabling of questions. It is open to Members to withdraw questions when such time has passed that they are no longer urgent. It would help us get through questions more quickly if they were topical and contemporaneous.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will see what I can do for the Taoiseach.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The House could sit more often.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Any change in that area would be more than welcome.

In response to the Deputy's supplementary question, one of the benefits of the Lisbon treaty is the proposal for a more permanent representation at the highest levels of the Union for a longer time. The Union very quickly had people from countries which have influence in that region in situ. These include the French President's initiative with President Mubarak. Several Prime Ministers, including Ms Merkel, Gordon Brown and the Italian Prime Minister, were in attendance at the announcement of the ceasefire arrangements, which indicated that there was significant European interaction with the Palestinians, the Egyptians, the Israelis and others to bring the situation, which has had tragic consequences, quickly to a halt. This highlights the benefit of a more consistent approach. A permanent president of the European Council, for which the Lisbon treaty provides, would give us the coherence and continuity that we expect, and which is needed, when life and limb are at risk and the EU's influence can be of great benefit.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I agree with the Taoiseach regarding the need for continuity in the EU response to issues like this. When a crisis happens, the level of action taken depends on the status or authority of the head of government of the member state holding the EU Presidency. How does the Taoiseach now see relations between the EU and Russia, following the crisis in Georgia? I refer in particular to the recent difficulties that have arisen with the supply of gas to countries outside of Russia.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The most recent difficulties point to the importance of the EU-Russia relationship in strategic terms. The dependence on gas from that part of the world is quite significant in the context of the EU's energy needs in the coming decades. Any bilateral problems which arise — in this case, between Russia and Ukraine — have had consequences for the supply to others, including new members of the EU and countries in the Balkans.

President Barroso made the point in the European Parliament that the contracts of those other third countries who are not involved in the dispute need to be respected in all circumstances. The relationship between Russia and the EU is not helped by incidents where the heating needs of millions of people were put at risk for weeks due to a bilateral problem between Ukraine and Russia. The President of the Commission was very clear that the legal obligations to EU countries should be respected and that their contractual arrangements with Russia need to be upheld, regardless of the supply issues that arise between Russia and Ukraine.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taoiseach might be surprised to hear that I agree with him. He responded to Deputy Gilmore on how we in this House should be in a position to have far more effective structures. We could start by having longer periods of Dáil sittings. If the Government Whip brings forward proposals to change the way we do business in the House, he will find support from members of the Opposition.

The Taoiseach made the point that the Lisbon treaty was a conduit for Europe having a single voice in international affairs. During the French Presidency of the EU, President Sarkozy brought this to a new level. In the context of having a single voice, has the Government decided to hold a second referendum on the Lisbon treaty? Was that discussed at the summit in the context of strengthening Europe? Has the Taoiseach been in touch with the Government of the Czech Republic about the declarations being drafted?

After the Georgia fracas, the EU suspended talks with Russia on a long-term partnership agreement. This was to be reviewed by the Commission on 10 November and I understand the European Foreign Ministers began discussions again on 2 December. Does the Taoiseach's report include a briefing from the European Commission on relations between the EU and Russia? Can he give the House an update on those relations following the resumption of talks on 10 November and 2 December last?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No, I do not have that detail. This question relates to the specific meeting that was held on the Georgia question. As I said in my initial reply, a series of meetings was arranged, arising from that initiative, to ascertain whether this matter can be resolved peaceably. The EU envoy, Mr. Morel, represents the Union's interests in those continuing discussions. The Deputy also raised the possibility of holding a further referendum. He is aware that everything depends on the concerns of the Irish people on taxation, defence and ethical and social issues, including workers' rights, being addressed to our satisfaction as our partners have promised. The question of revisiting the ratification process remains firmly in our own hands. I have consistently said that no decision has been taken yet. We have committed ourselves to seek to ratify the treaty before the end of the term of the current Commission if we are satisfied when the detailed follow-up work has been completed. The Minister for Foreign Affairs took the opportunity to meet the Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of the Czech Republic at yesterday's meeting. He discussed the logistics of what we are engaged in with them. We are working on detailed texts that have to be submitted to the legal services section of the European Commission. If the Commission is satisfied with them, the matter will be taken up with the Czech Presidency at that stage.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Taoiseach for that reply. Following the generosity he showed in the last conversation we had about this matter, can I express the hope that he will keep the leaders and relevant spokespersons of the various Opposition parties fully briefed on these matters? As he is aware, Fine Gael strongly supports the Lisbon treaty, the endorsement of which is absolutely necessary if the European Union is to be strengthened. The concerns of the Irish people should be the subject of the strongest possible protections. I hope the Government will keep Opposition Members fully informed.

All economic analyses reckon that Russia's massive reserves of oil and gas will help it to move into the top ten over the next 15 years. Its difficulty with Ukraine is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of many western European countries. I was present at a meeting in Brussels at which the President of Ukraine mentioned that Ukraine wants to join the EU at some point. It certainly wants to do business with Europe. If some unforeseen circumstance were to lead to gas supplies from Russia being cut off and energy security becoming even more critical — God forbid — what level of strategic reserves would this country be able to call on? What would our position be if such a possibility came to pass? Does the Taoiseach propose to engage in discussions with his European counterparts to move this agenda forward quickly? It is intended that the Lisbon treaty will guarantee energy security for all EU member states, which is something we would strongly support. The evidence in this country makes that absolutely critical. It should be a priority of the Government.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The scope of this question has moved from Abkhazia and South Ossetia to west Mayo, in the Deputy's constituency. The recent decreases in the price of oil and other major commodities are causing serious budgetary problems for the Russian Federation, which is a major supplier of such commodities to many parts of the world. The Deputy's supplementary question relates to this country's strategic reserves. If he wants an accurate response, he should table a detailed question to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I assure him that the Government's continued commitment to the development of an interconnector, as part of a wider North-South and east-west energy region, is an important aspect of its energy policy. In addition, the increased reliance on renewable energy sources — with a target of 40% of the island's energy supply coming from renewables by 2020 — will offer a major strategic advantage in terms of security of supply for the future. The ability to bring gas onto our own shore, in the Deputy's constituency, will also be of great benefit, and we hope that can happen as quickly as possible.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I agree with the Taoiseach that several of the points made have moved away from the central focus of the three questions tabled. That is a mistake. I hope the Taoiseach will be in a position to advise us of the continuing efforts being made by Ireland, the European Union and other influences to address the ongoing strained relationship between Georgia and Russia. The fact that this issue is not featuring prominently in our print media and broadcast reportage does not mean the problem is done and dusted. Far from it.

Does the Taoiseach agree that the potential for further renewed tension and even conflict between Georgia and Russia is very real and that the situation is far from resolved? Does he agree that much of the backdrop to this strained relationship is the relationship now enjoyed by Georgia as an ally of the United States and the direct participation of significant numbers of Georgian troops in the US war in Iraq? Does the Taoiseach further agree that there is understandable concern in Russia at the intent of Georgia to secure membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, NATO, and that Russia, as a major nuclear power, has real and understandable concerns at the advent of another nuclear power on its borders?

Will the Taoiseach outline whether these matters, including the role of NATO and its proposed expansion, were addressed in the course of the EU summit on Georgia? What position, if any, has the Government taken in urging an ongoing address of the situation there, recognising that it is through negotiation that a peaceful resolution may be secured, which is far preferable to the emergence of conflict once again, which I all too sadly add is as predictable as it was inevitable as it presented during 2007? Rather than relaxing, we should be doing more to guarantee there is peaceful coexistence between these two neighbouring nations.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

One of the fundamental tenets of compliance with international law is respect for the territorial integrity of every country. Regardless of the view taken by the Russian Federation or anybody else of the application for NATO membership by Georgia, it does not entitle any country to invade that territory. By the same token, the decision by the Georgian President to send Georgian troops into Abkhazia and South Ossetia at a time when there was a difficulty in terms of the autonomy being sought by those two regions for their own purposes, enabled the situation to develop where the Russian Federation responded in the way it did.

However, ultimately, the basic principle must be respect for the territorial integrity of every country. The tactical mistakes or errors that were made, which brought about the situation with which we now have to contend, does not take away from that fact. From the European Union's point of view, it is that perspective that will inform, in the main, the policy position the Union will take on this matter.

With the conflict having taken place, the need for people to withdraw, abide by the six point plan and to find some sort of a political perspective in which this issue might be resolved for the future was the right approach. Taking a proactive diplomatic effort to arrange for a ceasefire was also a positive role the Union played. However, I do not believe that the background to all of this, the policies being pursued by one country vis-À-vis another, or the other country's view of those policies entitle any country, however powerful or big, to take it upon itself to intervene in a way that compromises the territorial integrity of the country concerned.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We are in agreement on that, historically and contemporarily. However, that does not take away from the fact that far from the situation being resolved, the potential very much exists once again for an emergence of a re-inflamed situation between Georgia and Russia. The major contributory factor, I believe, may well prove to be NATO's intentions of expansion further east.

The new relationship between Georgia and the United States demonstrates clear intent on the part of its current political leadership. It has indicated its interest and willingness to become a part of the NATO alliance. That aspect, which is like the elephant in the room in regard to this equation, is a backdrop to the relationship between these two countries, which we cannot ignore. It does not excuse any unilateral action on the part of the Russian Federation, nor does it excuse any of the actions it has demonstrated during the course of the past year. Given the importance of addressing the situation there in order to put in place a more permanent and preferably a permanent resolution of the difficulties between these two states, I ask that this matter not be ignored. Will the Taoiseach indicate if it has been addressed? Will he indicate if he proposes to address it within the context of further EU engagement on this matter?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The EU is trying to facilitate talks between the parties concerned to see if this matter can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction peaceably and in line with international norms. The only point I would make to the Deputy is that a country having a dim view of another country applying for membership of an international organisation, to which it does not or has no intention of subscribing, does not justify the action that was subsequently taken in terms of the territorial integrity of that country being compromised. Large countries are not entitled to determine spheres of influence around which other independent countries must behave to a certain norm that is suitable to the large country. It must be based on mutual respect.

Independent countries are entitled to pursue their own foreign policy objectives as they see fit once they do so peaceably and within the norms of international law. It may not help the relationship between two countries in that respect that one country is pursuing one particular security path with which the other does not agree, but it does not entitle the more powerful country to decide to interfere in the internal politics of the smaller country.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We both accept that. What I am trying to ascertain is whether the Taoiseach has addressed the fact that this matter——

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No, I have not addressed it. I have many other issues to address.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Perhaps it is time the Taoiseach might do so.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have not addressed it. If it is part of the talks that are taking place, that is fine. I am giving the Deputy my view of it and what I believe the Government's view should be, should the matter arise.