Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I call on the Leader to arrange a debate when we return in September on the issue of foreign policy concerns in light of the recent atrocity in Nice and the attempted coup in Turkey, details of which are only now emerging.Everyone will agree it is a matter of deep concern to see not only that a coup attempt got so far, but also to see the repercussions and that President Erdoan has now arrested and detained nearly 20,000 people. There is talk at a high level in the Turkish Government, it appears, of bringing back the death penalty. It is a matter of real concern for all of us across Europe and in particular for any other member states in the Council of Europe to see any member state speaking about a return of the death penalty. I would like to have the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade back into this House in September to debate matters of foreign policy, to debate in particular matters of security concerning the threat of international terrorism and the sort of local threat we saw manifest even today in the news of the attack on a train in Germany. It would be useful to have that.

At the same time, I ask for a debate with the Minister for Justice and Equality so that she can update us on the position as regards the resettlement programme for Syrian refugees. I expressed concern last week that there had been so many delays in the resettlement of refugees here. It would be good to hear from the Minister precisely when the resettlement will be taking place.

I also second the motion proposed by Senator Kevin Humphreys.