Dáil debates

Wednesday, 2 June 2010

Ceisteanna - Questions.

Official Engagements

10:30 am

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 1: To ask the Taoiseach Taoiseach if he will make a statement on his participation in the EU Latin American and Caribbean Summit in Madrid, Spain on 18 May 2010 [21409/10]

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 2: To ask the Taoiseach Taoiseach if the agenda for the June meeting of the European Council has yet been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22700/10]

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 3: To ask the Taoiseach Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting in Dublin with the Lithuanian President; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22701/10]

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 4: To ask the Taoiseach Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the recent EU, Latin American and Caribbean Summit in Madrid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22853/10]

11:00 am

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, together.

I attended the sixth European Union and Latin American Caribbean Summit in Madrid on 18 May. This summit takes place every two years so that the two regions can discuss important and pressing global issues and strengthen their strategic relationship. It brings together Heads of State and Government from 60 countries, representing over 700 million people with a combined trade close to €100 billion annually. I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Zapatero of Spain and President Fernandez Kirchner of Argentina for successfully co-chairing the summit.

Over the past decade the EU-LAC summits have developed an increasingly closer relationship on both sides of the Atlantic. This progression was reflected in the overall theme of the 2010 summit: Towards a new phase of the bi-regional association: innovation and technology for sustainable development and social inclusion.

In our discussions, we also focused on two of the biggest international issues of our time - the global financial crisis and climate change. During the discussion on the financial crisis, I intervened to stress the need for globally agreed action and re-affirmed Europe's commitment to protecting the euro. I also took the opportunity to outline the steps we have been taking in Ireland to reform the banks, to correct our public finances and improve our competitiveness. The Prime Minister of Haiti alsoaddressed the summit on developments there after the tragic earthquake and how the Haitian people are rebuilding their lives with the help of the international community, including Ireland. During the course of the summit there were many parallel meetings between the European Union and specific Latin American and Caribbean countries or regional groupings, including the Andean and Central Americas countries.

As expected the European Commission also used the occasion to re-launch the EU-Mercosur trade negotiations. While recognising the need to progress regional trade, Ireland along with other member states continues to have concerns about the prospects of a fair and balanced outcome to these negotiations. The summit was also a good forum for advancing Ireland's bilateral relations and I met with a number of leaders from the Latin American and Caribbean countries, including President Fernandez Kirchner of Argentina and President Piñera of Chile. These meetings were very constructive and it was particularly useful to get their perspective on key global issues and how we can develop closer bilateral and trade relations.

While in Madrid I also took the opportunity to meet formally with Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero. We had a thorough and positive meeting covering a range of issues, including the financial crisis and preparation of the European Council in June. We also discussed the excellent bilateral relations between our two countries and improving economic relations.

I met with President Dalia Grybauskaite of Lithuania in Government Buildings on Monday, 10 May. The President was making an official visit to Ireland. At the meeting we discussed a wide range of issues, including the package of measures agreed in pursuit of stabilising the euro, the Europe 2020 strategy, our forthcoming Presidencies of the EU and the OSCE, EU external relations, bilateral relations between our countries and the sizeable Lithuanian community in Ireland.

The agenda for the June European Council has not yet been formally finalised.

I informed the House last week about the draft annotated agenda, which signals that discussions are expected to focus on the EU2020 strategy, the G20 Toronto summit, the UN millennium development goals and climate change. I also expect that President Van Rompuy will brief us on the ongoing work of the task force dealing with budgetary discipline.

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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As the Taoiseach will be aware, the reopening of trade negotiations with Mercosur has given rise to concerns with regard to the impact that imports of Brazilian beef could have on Ireland and other EU countries. What concerns did he raise about the possibility of the opening of the EU market to Brazilian beef while the food quality and safety standards that apply in Brazil are below those which normally obtain in the Union?

What response has been given by the European Union to the statement by the Prime Minister of Haiti on the recovery operation in that country? I accept that an immediate response was made at the time of the disaster but will the Taoiseach indicate the follow-up actions that have been taken and the contribution of Ireland thereto?

Did the Taoiseach or any of the other Irish representatives who were present in Madrid raise with the Bolivian authorities the case of the man from Tipperary, Mr. Michael Dwyer, who was shot dead in controversial circumstances in Santa Cruz in April 2009? Since that date, members of the Dwyer family have been trying to establish the circumstances of his death. At the time of Mr. Dwyer's death, the Bolivian President said he had not objection to an independent international inquiry. However, that offer appears to have been withdrawn. Was the matter raised with Bolivian representatives on the margins of the meeting that took place?

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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We have serious reservations regarding the decision to re-engage in negotiations with the Mercosur countries - Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. While it is the European Commission's decision to relaunch the negotiations, we note that there are major differences between the expectations of both sides. We are, therefore, doubtful that there is a sound basis for a positive engagement or outcome. At the time of the suspension of the previous talks in 2004, Ireland had difficulties with the substance of the negotiations, particularly in regard to market access for beef. I am also concerned that the relaunch could have a very negative impact on the Doha round and could leave the EU with little negotiating capital in that round.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Smith, has been very active in respect of this matter and succeeded in having it fully discussed at the Agricultural Council meeting on 17 May. Ireland, France, Austria, Finland, Greece, Hungary and Poland voiced their shared concerns regarding the potential impact of this matter on the EU agricultural sector, particularly the beef market. We asked the Commission to provide a detailed analysis of the impact of the negotiations and to clarify the terms and conditions under which they are being relaunched. Commissioner Ciolos has reassured member states that he is well aware of their concerns and will be vigilant in ensuring that EU agriculture will be properly protected. The relaunch of the EU-Mercosur trade talks could jeopardise a successful outcome to the stalled WTO negotiations because it reduces the incentive for Mercosur to commit to the conclusion of the Doha development round.

I do not have any detailed information regarding the statement by the President of Haiti or on the EU's follow-up actions regarding the disaster in that country. However, I will pursue the matter and communicate further with the Deputy on it. I recall that the Haitian delegation issued a message of thanks to the European Union on the work it is doing. The delegation also provided a report on the progress that has been made. As the Deputy is aware, the Haitian people still face a considerable challenge and there is a need for continuing and effective support for the rehabilitation of their country. I will check what additional initiatives have been put in place to augment the EU's initial response and revert to the Deputy on the matter.

I did not have an opportunity to raise with the Bolivian President the other matter to which Deputy Gilmore referred.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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If, as a result of the EU-Mercosur negotiations, Brazilian beef is traded into Europe, Ireland must insist that the regulations and traceability requirements that obtain in respect of Irish farmers and their European counterparts must also apply in respect of imports from Brazil. This is a critical issue. The Government and those of other EU member states must make that fact crystal clear. In the past, delegations of Irish farmers and politicians visited Brazil and were able to demonstrate that what was being exported here was not, in certain circumstances, compatible with the regulations and traceability requirements with which Irish farmers must comply. I am seeking an absolute assurance from the Taoiseach that compliance by Brazilian producers with the relevant regulations and requirements that apply in Europe will be insisted upon. This matter is of particular importance to the agri-economy in this country.

On Israel's blockade of Gaza, the UN Security Council has stated that there is a need for a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation into the events of recent days. Does the Taoiseach consider that the European Union would be a suitable and objective third party capable of carrying out such an investigation? Has he contacted any of his European counterparts in respect of this matter?

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Smith, has been very prominent in setting out Ireland's position in respect of the relaunching of the Mercosur talks. The Minister obtained a commitment from the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Dacian Ciolos, to the effect that he will be vigilant in the context of carefully monitoring the situation. In addition, we want to obtain an impact analysis from the Commission in order that EU agriculture will be properly protected. There are different expectations on both sides with regard to the negotiations and some doubt remains as to whether there is a sound basis for a positive engagement or outcome. At the time of the suspension of the previous talks in 2004, Ireland had difficulties with the substance of the negotiations, particularly in regard to market access for beef. We will continue to voice those concerns in the context of influencing the issues under discussion, which are of importance to us.

On the Deputy's second question, the primary objective is to ensure that an international inquiry will take place. We would prefer such an inquiry to take place under UN auspices. We will consider the suitability of the persons or institutions which might be tasked with carrying out such an inquiry if approval for it to proceed is obtained. We are of the view that it is imperative that the inquiry should proceed. It must be a transparent and professionally-conducted inquiry in order that we can ensure that we get to the bottom of all aspects of this matter.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Taoiseach for providing that clarification in respect of Mercosur. He will have the full support of this side of the House in insisting that if agreement is reached in the Mercosur talks, the traceability requirements which apply to European producers will also apply to their Brazilian counterparts.

Did the Taoiseach and his colleagues at the Council meeting discuss the necessity to return to the Lisbon Agenda, as distinct from the Lisbon treaty? The Lisbon Agenda was established in order that the EU might compete with the United States in respect of job creation. I note the Taoiseach's most recent 7,000-word tome reflecting on costs, competitiveness and credit. Governments across Europe are now focusing on reducing their deficits. That matter is critical to each of them. It must be stressed that, parallel to this, there is a need to put in place programmes that will make member states, including Ireland, attractive in terms of national and international investment. The latter will give rise to serious potential for job creation.

Does the Taoiseach accept that the Lisbon Agenda, which had the potential to allow Europe to compete with the United States, has not functioned in the way it should because of the lack of commitment of governments to funding that agenda? Does he believe it still holds real value in terms of job creation across the Union, including our own country where job opportunities, for young people in particular, are so important for the future? Can he confirm whether there was any discussion about this among the Heads of Government given that it is of equal importance in terms of the future economic growth of individual countries as distinct from the efforts currently going solely into deficit reduction?

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The EU-Latin American and Caribbean Summit had its own agenda and the issue specifically of competitiveness of the European economy comes up in the context of Question No. 2 where the Deputy asked whether the agenda for the European Council meeting has yet been finalised. As I said, the EU 2020 strategy is being brought forward for further discussion at the Council meeting. The question of trying to make the European Union economy more competitive is a very challenging one for Europe because of its demographics, because of the competitiveness of other parts of the world with which we trade and because the international investment patterns are such that Europe is getting a decreasing amount of investment compared to the position in the past as a consequence of the rise of the BRIC countries, Brazil, Russia India and China. The 2020 strategy is about seeing how we can improve security of energy supply and use the environmental sustainability arguments for new goods and services and products in the future. It is very important that the research and development issue is dealt with effectively because research and development inputs into European industry have been much less than those, for example, in United States industry. To regain competitiveness here requires a step change in approach.

Regarding the idea of further fiscal stimulus, the European Central Bank has been adamant in this regard. In the aftermath of the financial and economic crisis in 2008 there were countries which provided a domestic fiscal stimulus and which must now devise exit strategies for those stimuli.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am referring to investment programmes.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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In many cases the fiscal stimuli that are being provided were in the productive sector, in the capital area. The average capital investment in EU countries is some 2% to 2.5% of GNP, but in Ireland it is twice that. Different countries are at different stages of development in terms of how their infrastructure matches their requirements. We still have some way to go but have made a huge investment in that area which has made the economy more resilient and offered the prospect of us being more competitive as a result.

In terms of monetary policy and macro-economic policy, there is a very strong, unanimous call for fiscal consolidation. Deficits must be reduced. If deficits are not reduced, interest rates rise. If interest rates rise, there is less income for productive services and less possibility of creating jobs. It is a question of having to consolidate and also a question of bringing forward policies and initiatives in a co-ordinated fashion more successfully than was the case under the Lisbon strategy in order to have the European economy invest in those areas of research and development that would enable us to identify and then obtain competitive advantage in the areas where the 2020 strategy sets out that Europe has the prospect of competing into the future.

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I want to go back to the replies the Taoiseach has given to Deputy Kenny and to me in regard to the Mercosur talks. What I interpret from what the Taoiseach is saying is that the reopening of those talks may bring the possibility of Irish farmers being faced with unfair competition from imports of Brazilian beef. The European Union has rightly put in place a regime of food safety, traceability and high standards in regard to beef. I appreciate that the Taoiseach has referred to the work being done by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Smith, but it is simply not acceptable that Irish farmers should be exposed to unfair competition from imports from a country where the same standards do not apply as in the European Union. There is also the knock-on consequence for the wider beef industry.

The motion that was passed in the House yesterday evening regarding the attack on the flotilla and the response of the Israeli Government included three provisions. First, that there would be safe passage for the Irish owned vessel and for all of the vessels; second, that those who had been detained would be released; and, third, that there should be an independent international investigation into what happened on Monday morning, particularly the killings that took place on the Turkish ship. I listened this morning on radio to a representative of the Israeli Government who seemed to be saying that Israel would fast-track some type of deportation process for those who had been detained. He seemed to be saying there would not be safe passage or free passage for the Irish vessel. He talked about the option being there for that vessel to go to a port in Israel or in Egypt and, by implication, seemed to be saying that if it did not take either of those options-----

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is straying from the subject material.

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The representative absolutely rejected the idea of an independent international investigation into what happened on Monday morning. It is important that this position is simply not accepted. If it turns out that Israel persists in rejecting an independent international investigation into the events of last Monday morning, is it the Taoiseach's intention to pursue with other European Union leaders at the upcoming summit some effective response to that?

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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In regard to the Mercosur talks, Ireland led the food safety agenda on the last occasion when these discussions were taking place and we have continued to make the point that for European farmers to compete we must obtain a level playing field. Ireland has been to the fore in these matters. It is not just about putting forward, as has been suggested, some type of protectionist measure; it is about the European model of agriculture providing the best possible guarantee to EU consumers as to the safety and healthiness of our food. We saw last year with the pig scare the impact of sectoral events on consumer trends almost overnight if sufficient and corrective and remedial action is not taken to re-establish confidence in the sector so as to regain commercial outlets and be in a position to continue to sell into markets both domestic and international. We have been very much of the view that health and safety issues are fundamental to ensuring EU consumers can be reassured that in a free trade situation, these types of matters are attended to adequately in the negotiations. We will continue to make these points as we have in the past.

The Deputy's second point is what happens in the event of our not getting an international inquiry. The Security Council called for it yesterday. The Israelis have in the past - I do not believe there was then or is now any basis for this - tried to suggest they will conduct an inquiry and that this will satisfy international opinion as to its objectivity and transparency, which is absurd. That will not suffice. What Israel must consider, as it has had to do in regard to its original ideas in regard to putting people into detention and engaging in a domestic deportation process, is its response to international pressure that this was not a runner because these people had been brought forcibly to Israel. The idea that one needs to be deported from a country to which one has been forcibly brought is absurd. We must maintain pressure on all aspects of the motion as passed here and by the Security Council of the United Nations.

On the basis that this incident took place in international waters, Israel's contention that its action was justified as it constituted an act of self defence must be rigorously and independently tested and examined. I am confident, based on the facts as they are emerging, that this was a totally disproportionate act and was, in my opinion, an illegal act. The defence which Israel seeks to suggest to legitimate what it did does not in my opinion hold water. We must find a means by which this can be established and verified internationally so that international law is seen to be respected.

I note what the Deputy has said in terms of the predictable initial response from the Israeli Government that it will not agree to an international inquiry. We must maintain pressure on it to ensure its standing in the international community is in no way enhanced or maintained by the taking of that position. It needs to consider carefully how, if that is to be the position it is to maintain into the future on this, this will play to its interests. I do not accept that this should be regarded as its final position although I note that is what it has said.

International fora will have to consider its response in terms of what we regard as appropriate if the Israeli Government is not prepared to co-operate in any way with an international inquiry to ascertain the facts of these matters. That is a matter for future discussion. This does not suggest that there is no action that can be taken rather, it suggests we must first press to the fullest possible extent for the various aspects of the motion passed here, which reflects similar motions passed and presidential statements made in the UN Security Council. We must not take Israel's first answer as being its final answer on this matter. Further diplomatic pressure needs to be applied. Arising out of this, what further action is deemed necessary, collectively working with others, is a matter for consideration.

Photo of Arthur MorganArthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I apologise to the Taoiseach for missing for first part of his response to these questions. I was tied up in business elsewhere in the House.

Will the Taoiseach seek to put the episode of recent times and the need for an international inquiry on the agenda of the European Council meeting later this month to ensure the events of Monday morning and previous to it and since, are exposed internationally? Will he also seek to put on the agenda the notion of an Irish-led EU flotilla of humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza? I watched from the harbour in Dundalk the loading onto the ship of wheelchairs and many other items, some cement but mainly children's toys, books and education equipment. Will the Taoiseach seek to ensure such a flotilla is organised at an official level within the EU to ensure Israel is not permitted to isolate the people of Gaza in the manner it has been doing? Such action should not be left to a few individuals but should be dealt with at official level.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I outlined the agenda for the European Council meeting in my primary reply. There have been occasions when issues that have arisen between the setting of the agenda and holding of the meeting have been discussed. It is a matter for the President of the Council, Mr. Von Rompuy, to assess the position. Also, the General Affairs Council of Foreign Ministers will be meeting on these matters on an ongoing basis and will reflect the views of their Governments. EU Common Foreign and Security Policy requires the agreement of all for statements to appear. There are unfortunately different nuances which appear from time to time among members states when this issue arises generally.

In regard to what has happened in this case, I find it hard to understand the reason any member state of the European Union would be in any way reticent about the type of motion passed here yesterday evening. If we set international law as being that which should be respected - I believe that is a good basis on which to proceed in this case - then there are certain actions that need to be taken and be seen to be taken.

Photo of Joe CostelloJoe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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I have one or two questions for the Taoiseach in regard to the Latin American meeting and the forthcoming June summit. I met last week with a delegation from the Colombian trade union. The delegation met immediately afterwards with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and was hosted by Mr. David Begg and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. The delegation had a specific request which it wished the Taoiseach to put to the European Union summit meeting in June, namely, that Ireland would not sign up to a proposed trade agreement with Colombia on the basis that 27 Colombian trade union leaders had been in recent times slaughtered by death squads and the Colombian Government's intention to use that trade agreement to ensure its re-election in the upcoming elections towards the end of this year. What position will Ireland be taking in regard to this request?

The 2020 document and the plans therein for the next ten years will be, as I understand it, the main thrust of discussion at the summit in terms of the decisions to be made with regard to the strategies. There has been a strong request from NGOs and organisations dealing with poverty issues that Ireland support a fixed target of 25% reduction in overall poverty levels within the European Union during that ten year period, which would result in almost 20,000 people being removed from poverty or the risk of poverty and in strategies being agreed to ensure this. Given our proud record in terms of combatting poverty, dating back to our joining the European Union and which has informed all European Union decisions to date, will the Taoiseach take the initiative on this issue to ensure that target is agreed?

I agree with Deputies Kenny, Gilmore and Morgan that we should be taking the initiative at the June meeting in regard to the piracy on the high seas by Israel. This is almost the same as what has been happening on the Horn of Africa with Somalia. There should not be less than an international investigation into this matter. The incident happened in international waters. The lives of Irish citizens have been put at risk.

The European Union should have a plan to deal with this matter by the time the summit takes place. If the Israelis continue with the approach as they have stated to date and have merely an internal Israeli investigation, the European Union must take the initiative and conduct an international investigation.

Ireland agreed last week to support Israel's application for membership of the OECD. The Taoiseach should seriously consider rescinding such support. Effectively, our support means that we support Israel as an agreed colleague among the 13 members of the OECD when Israel has put itself outside the bounds of normal human rights and trading arrangements with regard to other counties in the international community.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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On the question of what poverty or reduction targets will be involved in the strategy, we welcome the promotion of greater social inclusion, including a target to measure progress in reducing poverty in Ireland and in a number of other member states. I voiced certain concerns about the indicator proposed by the European Commission. We have all agreed that further work needs to be done and this is happening at present. We are working on that.

I do not have any details on what is the issue regarding the trade agreement with Colombia. As the Deputy will be aware, the question of competence in this area for the conducting of the finalisation of trade agreements lies with the Commission in many of these matters. I will ask the Department to revert to the Deputy as to what is the situation in that regard.

On the question of international inquires and how that will be done, we have to concentrate on obtaining the release of citizens, the people who have been held, and to see if we can arrange for an international inquiry. It is certainly what we are pressing for and what we want to see happen. In terms of under what guise we would like this to happen, our preference remains that it would be under UN auspices but we have to wait and see what the formal response to the presidential statement of the Security Council by Israel will be. The initial reaction seems to be predictable but it needs to be further considered and pressure needs to continue to be brought to bear on Israel that this is an issue that will affect its standing internationally should it take a certain course of action.

On the question of Israel's accession to the OECD, it has always been Ireland's view that to try to influence issues and to be seen as a country that can in some way make a constructive contribution to the resolution of this problem, and to avoid issues of boycott etc., we would try to engage with people. Obviously, they cannot act with impunity, they have to take the consequences for the actions which have emerged here. They must take on those responsibilities. What the relationship with Israel will be in the future, based on its response to this particular action, is something that will have to be discussed collectively and carefully and considered in fora such as the EU and the UN in the future. We need to focus on what the short-term objective is in terms of free passage, safety of individuals and the establishment of an inquiry. The wider impact that this will have on relations with Israel in the international area will have to be considered very carefully based on how it responds to these issues.

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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The Taoiseach's statement in recent days that the blockade of Gaza was illegal in itself was very welcome. Therefore, I presume all the actions that have been evaluated in the past three days are illegal acts in international waters in support of an illegal position. The agreed motion between Government and Opposition yesterday had an important paragraph to the effect of conditionalities laid down such as an independent, international and transparent examination of events, safe passage and so on. That should be followed up by further diplomatic initiatives. It is important that the Taoiseach would agree that these initiatives be taken as quickly as possible to implement the spirit of the motion we agreed yesterday.

On the matter of the diplomacy involved, when the United Nations Relief and Works Agency school was bombed in January 2009 the European Union split in that Holland, Germany, Italy and Romania refused to even issue any condemnation whereas a group of five countries, including Ireland, Greece and others, took a very strong position. Does the Taoiseach envisage there being a significant shift in the European position in defining the Common Position and will that Common Position emphasise the importance of compliance with international law?

During the talks at the EU-Latin American and Caribbean meeting, the issue of trade arose. The issue that arose in regard to Colombia was that the Commission suggested it would not delay even a single paragraph of the draft agreement but it was open to the Council, and representation on it, to put human rights conditionalities back into consideration for the text. Therefore, there will be an opportunity at the meeting for those conditionalities to be recovered. Does the Taoiseach support that? That is a request that was made by the international trade union movement and by David Begg in the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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On the matter of the common foreign and security policy position on the Middle East, the Deputy, as a close observer of these matters, will be aware that regarding the position of the European Union, any movement in position towards what we would regard as our national position has been slow in the extreme. This incident, if not properly responded to, very much weakens the view of those who suggest that not taking a more robust position-----

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Disengagement.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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-----does not exactly increase influence. There is a need for people to look rigorously at what is happening here and as a chain of events, as the Minister for Foreign Affairs has said, to indicate that a position has been taken here which seems to suggest that people can act with impunity or that one nation's or one government's particular definition of events is the one that should dictate international responses. I do not think that is a position that stands up to rigorous scrutiny.

On the question of the trade deal with Colombia, I will have the matter further inquired into and will come back to the Deputy in due course.