Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 4: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is supportive of Turkey's application to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8986/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ireland is supportive of Turkey's candidacy for EU membership and its accession when it fulfils all the established criteria and conditions of membership. Our overall approach to EU enlargement is positive. The broadening of the Union helps to promote stability, security and prosperity across the Continent. In some cases, the process of preparing for membership can stimulate and bolster economic and political reforms. Respect for the values set out in the treaties, rigorous conditionality and the need to take account of the capacity of the EU to integrate new members have to be factored into the process. Accession is the result of negotiation. The eventual outcome and timeframe in respect of any application cannot be predicted. These factors shape the Government's supportive approach to Turkey's candidacy.

Potential gains to the Single Market and to trade may accrue from the accession of a country of Turkey's size. Given that its economy grew by 9% last year, Turkey is a significant economic and political player. The Union's reach and influence in the Middle East and central Asia could be enhanced through Turkish accession. The pace of progress on Turkey's application has been slow. A number of obstacles to progress continue to exist. Just 13 of the 35 negotiating chapters have been opened. The current Hungarian Council Presidency is making a significant effort to have the chapter on competition opened before the end of June. A significant constraint on progress is Turkey's continued failure to implement the Ankara Protocol, under which it would open ports and airports to traffic from Cyprus, and to normalise relations with Cyprus. This issue is tied up with the unresolved Cyprus problem. We support the UN-sponsored negotiations that are attempting to establish a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement. The reforms within Turkey that are required under the accession process are proceeding, albeit more slowly of late in part due to upcoming parliamentary elections. The accession negotiations continue to provide a strong incentive for Turkey to pursue reforms, strengthen democracy and human rights and further modernise the country.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister for his reply. Does he agree that the EU has enjoyed a long and close relationship with Turkey? The question of Turkey's accession to the EU is a controversial one, to say the least. It has been particularly protracted. The Minister referred to the lack of progress with the 35-chapter acquis. It seems that the negotiations will continue for another decade, at least. Is the Minister concerned about the lack of unity among our EU partners on this matter? The British Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron, has promised to fight for Turkish membership of the Union. Chancellor Merkel has opposed full membership. Mr. Berlusconi has advocated the acceleration of Turkey's application. President Sarkozy opposes the accession of Turkey because he does not think Turkey belongs in Europe at all. Most of the landmass of Turkey is in Asia Minor and just 3% of it is in Europe. Fianna Fáil supports Turkey's accession subject to its compliance with the various conditions, including the implementation of the Ankara Protocol. In addition, I suggest we should conduct an effective analysis of the impact of Turkish membership of the EU on this country's labour market.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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For the reasons I have mentioned, Ireland clearly supports Turkey's application for membership of the EU. The question of Turkey's accession to the Union will depend on its ability to meet the conditions for accession to membership. As Deputy Ó Fearghaíl is aware, such conditions relate inter alia to politics, human rights and compliance with international agreements. The process of accession is at an early stage. I do not think it is simply a question of some countries agreeing with it and others not agreeing with it. At this stage, it is a question of compliance with the conditions that attach to EU membership. To date, discussions have been completed in respect of just one of the 35 chapters. It is likely that the discussions and negotiations on Turkey's accession will take some time. We will have to wait to see the pace of those negotiations following the parliamentary elections in Turkey.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, has expressed strong reservations about the prospect of Turkey joining the EU. Can the Minister indicate whether the Minister of State's views, which may be understandable in the circumstances, reflect his own views and those of the Government as a whole? Can he comment on the current significance of the trade relationships that exist between Ireland and Turkey?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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As I have said, the Irish position and the Government's position on Turkey's candidacy is that we support it. Certain conditions have to be met before any country can accede to the EU. Those conditions have to be fully met, clearly, as there cannot be a kind of partial meeting of the conditions. The process by which they are negotiated is at an early stage.