Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Do the Minister of State and the Government seriously believe that the reunification of Cyprus will take place on the basis of the UN proposals which were overwhelmingly rejected by a majority of the people of the Republic of Cyprus? In my opinion the Government must return to the drawing board in respect of this matter. I ask the Minister to make his best efforts to ensure that the Turks come on board in regard to any settlement. If we subscribe to, acknowledge and enshrine in our law decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, Turkey must accept — if it wants to join the Union, a move I support — that a normal rule of law applies.

I am glad the Minister of State highlighted the dangers involved for Irish people who might potentially invest money in property in northern Cyprus. These people may believe that all they need to do is travel to the area, purchase a plot of land without caring who owns it and that everything will be hunky dory when, as the Minister of State indicated, the comprehensive settlement comes to address the property issues. There are property difficulties in this country which date back 300 years. Will such difficulties be resolved quickly in Cyprus? I do not believe so.

My contribution may seem somewhat impassioned. I appreciate and understand the diplomatic constraints under which the Minister of State must operate as a representative of the Government. I hope, however, he will take something from this debate and will make his best efforts to ensure that the Turks fully appreciate the depth of anger that exists within the Republic of Cyprus in respect of this issue.

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for his indulgence and for allowing me to raise this matter on the Adjournment.