Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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1178. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has given any further consideration to his Government supporting full self-determination for all the people of Kurdistan, in view of ongoing attacks on and great disturbance of Kurdish populations in Syria and Iraq. [32208/15]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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1179. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of international protection for the people of Kurdistan; the way this issue has been addressed during the lifetime of this Government. [32209/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1178 and 1179 together.

The protection of all minorities in Syria and Iraq is central to the Government’s efforts and policies internationally on both Syria and Iraq.

Ireland has consistently pressed for effective action to protect the rights of all minorities in international fora, including the EU and UN. I highlighted this issue in my previous address to the UN General Assembly in New York. I have also raised it during my meetings with UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon.

Ireland supports the territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria and does not propose to intervene in internal constitutional matters of Iraq and Syria.