Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I am at one with Senator Mooney on this matter. We have made our position absolutely clear to the Turks on numerous occasions in the past and during recent negotiations. It was decided at the recent European Council meeting that the European Union would enter into negotiations with Turkey on 3 October next. During the debate at that meeting and after the contribution of the Heads of State of Turkey and Cyprus at its conclusion, the Taoiseach made Ireland's position clear. We made quite clear where we stood, during and after the Council debate, after the contributions by the Heads of State of Turkey and Cyprus. There is no progress to be made on this. There is a recognition of the rights of the people of the Republic of Cyprus and this must be acknowledged by the Turkish people vis-À-vis the future evolution and enlargement of the European Union. We anticipate it will take ten to 15 years to conclude the difficulties and complexities vis-À-vis Turkey joining the European Union. If we all work together, hopefully there will be a consensual conclusion to the satisfaction of the people of Cyprus, Turkey and all of us as citizens of the European Union.