Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

On resettlement, as a country that promotes and values human rights - a core aspect of our foreign policy - we encourage it but it is the sovereign decision of individual member states as to whether they accept refugees or not. Of course we encourage others and Ireland will try to play its role but for historical and political reasons we must be sensitive. Some member states in the European Union are reluctant to accept refugees because of the character, history and make up of the PMOI. We must be sensitive to that reality while trying to pursue the objective the Senator outlines and with which I agree.

I cannot stand in the House and pronounce on the veracity or otherwise of a report. We put our trust in the United Nations as a vital multilateral institution, one which we are very involved in and often leading in the field of human rights promotion. I cannot stand over that claim, I can only say that in respect of any doubts, we will explore them. Ireland is seeking a nomination to the human rights council and we hope we will be successful in that election. If we are, we will be in a stronger position to proceed with some of these issues.