Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make representations regarding the Kurdish political prisoners, including a number who are elected members of the Turkish parliament, on hunger strike in Turkish prisons whose health is severely impaired; if he will express concern on the strict isolation of Mr. Ocalan as these matters are not helpful in finding a solution for the Kurdish conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51018/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I was pleased to see reports indicating that the hunger strikes by Kurdish prisoners in Turkey ended over the weekend. I welcome the recent moves made by the Turkish authorities, including agreeing to allow family visits to Mr Öcalan, and the submission of a bill to Parliament which will allow suspects to use the Kurdish language during their defence statements in trials. My firm belief remains that the best way forward has to be through a process of outreach and dialogue. I would encourage all sides to redouble their efforts to address the Kurdish issue in a peaceful and democratic manner.

I also urge the Turkish Government to continue reach out to the Kurdish community. The escalation of PKK terrorist attacks makes it much harder to reach a solution, but the fight against terrorism must be conducted with due regard for human rights. As I stated in this House last week, Turkey, as an EU candidate, is expected to uphold the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms that are core values of the EU. These are issues which will continue to be raised in the context of the EU’s ongoing dialogue with Turkey.