James Carroll (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Mooney for sharing time. This is a significant international and EU-wide issue that goes to the very heart and the basis of the European Union project. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, stated last August that Ireland would support Serbia's progress based on a positive assessment from the chief prosecutor of the ICTY regarding Serbia's ongoing co-operation. This is the key issue. The Serbian Government has not followed through on its proposals. The chief prosecutor, Serge Brammertz, has urged the European Governments to maintain pressure on Serbia. He stated that the non-arrest of Mladic would be the worst possible signal one could give to all future tribunals. It would give the signal to perpetrators that one can sit out international justice, that political interest is diminishing over time and that impunity prevails. I encourage the Minister of State to address that issue in his reply because if we allow Serbia's accession talks to progress unfettered, it will result in a stain on Ireland's reputation and the EU project.