Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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52. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the concerns he has regarding recent developments in Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3039/17]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Turkish Parliament has approved a new draft constitution paving the way for a presidential system of government. If that is passed by referendum the reforms would let the president retain ties to a political party. Effectively, therefore, Mr. Erdoğan could resume leadership of the AKP which he co-founded. The new powers of the constitution include provisions which would allow President Erdoğan to stand for two further electoral cycles, potentially allowing him to govern until 2029. Does the Minister for Foreign Affairs have concerns about these recent developments in Turkey?

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Recent developments in Turkey have brought the country to international attention frequently over recent months, and I remain very concerned about the situation there. Turkey has been the victim of many terrorist attacks over the past year, carried out by ISIS or by the PKK and its affiliates. Over the course of 2016, more than 600 people lost their lives through acts of terrorism in Turkey. Already in 2017, Turkey has suffered three utterly appalling acts of violence.

I issued a statement on 1 January following the despicable shooting at the Reina nightclub in Istanbul in the early hours of New Year’s Day, in which 39 people were tragically murdered. In addition to this deplorable attack, two people were killed in a car bomb at a checkpoint in Izmir on 5 January, and four policemen were killed following an explosion in Diyarbakir, south-east Turkey on 16 January.

The increasingly volatile situation in the south-east of the country is a matter of real concern. I once again extend my condolences to the families of all those affected by these horrific acts of violence, and to the people of Turkey. I unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and repeat that Ireland, along with our European partners, stands in solidarity with Turkey in its fight against terrorism.

While it is clear that the Turkish authorities face very difficult challenges, I continue to have serious ongoing concerns about democracy, the rule of law, human rights and freedom of expression, in particular freedom of the media, in the country in the aftermath of the attempted coup in July 2016 and the extended state of emergency, which is still in place.

The concerns of the EU, which are fully shared by Ireland, were set out in a detailed statement on 8 November last. Unfortunately, these concerns still persist. I have repeatedly raised these concerns at meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council with my fellow European foreign ministers. Turkey has also been discussed at European Councils where the Taoiseach represented Ireland. It was the subject of intensive debate at the December General Affairs Council in the enlargement context, where the Minister of State, Deputy Dara Murphy, also spoke of Ireland’s concerns. I also raised our concerns at the Council of Europe last September. Along with our EU partners, we will continue to monitor the situation in Turkey closely.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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We all roundly condemn the recent terrorist attacks in Turkey. We pass on our condolences to the Turkish people and Government. However, I specifically asked about the Government's view on proposed changes to the Turkish constitution. Those would confer additional powers on President Erdoğan. If those changes come to pass, does the Minister see that affecting Turkey's bid for EU membership?

Deputy Wallace alluded to the continuing operation of the third-party arrangement on the migrant deal with Turkey, which I have questioned the Minister about before. Does the Minister think these changes will affect that deal? I have been critical of the deal and I do not believe we should be part of that arrangement.

There appears to be a major crackdown on civil rights in Turkey. Some 90 journalists are still in prison following the attempted coup. These matters need to be addressed, so I would be interested to hear our Government's view on them.

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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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.