Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the purchase by Irish or EU citizens of property in occupied Cyprus, currently under the control of the Turkish military authorities, is fraught with legal difficulties and that Irish persons seeking to purchase property abroad for holiday or investment purposes may unwittingly enter into contracts for the purchase of existing or newly constructed property; if he will bring this situation to the attention of the public and property agents, auctioneers and other related organisations who may wittingly or unwittingly induce Irish persons to participate in the making of a crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3268/05]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there has been an unprecedented boom in the illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot property in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus since 2002, involving the construction and sales of properties belonging to Greek Cypriots expelled from their homes in 1974, mostly to Turkish settlers and other foreign nationals, despite the recognition of the property rights of the Greek Cypriots by the European Court of Human Rights; if he has raised this matter with the Turkish authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3339/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 119 together.

I am aware of the serious concern of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus at the increased levels of activity in the property market in the northern part of the island. The Cypriot authorities have drawn the attention of partners in the EU to their particular concern that much of the property development undertaken in recent years has involved land which is legally owned by citizens of Cyprus who were forced to leave the area in 1974.

The issue of property rights is a crucial element in the search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, on which the United Nations has the lead role. The Government is regularly in contact with the various parties, and Ireland was particularly engaged in encouraging agreement on a settlement based on the proposals of the UN Secretary General in early 2004, during the Irish EU Presidency. The EU has recognised the positive contribution of the Turkish Government to the process last year. We have strongly encouraged Turkey to start a process in the context of preparations for the opening of accession negotiations with the EU which will lead to the normalising of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus. The issue of property rights, however, will not be resolved until a comprehensive settlement has been agreed in Cyprus.

Ireland does not recognise the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", in line with UN Security Council Resolutions 541, of 1983, and 550, of 1984, which are binding on all members of the United Nations. The Republic of Cyprus has been a member state of the EU since 1 May 2004. In the absence of a comprehensive settlement, the application of the laws and regulations of the Union to the northern part of the island is suspended.

Any Irish citizen considering the purchase of property in the area in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control should consider very carefully all the complex legal issues involved. I believe that it is important also to take full account of the political background. Any future comprehensive settlement in Cyprus will include provisions on property rights which, depending on the particular circumstances, could have very serious practical or financial implications for people who have purchased property in the northern part of the island.