Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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390. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions, if any, that have taken place at recent European Foreign Affairs Council meetings on the plight of the Kurdish people; the efforts being made at EU level to secure peace between the main organisations representing Kurdish people and the Turkish Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7647/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The domestic situation in Turkey remains a matter of concern, both for Ireland and our European partners. I would like to reiterate the serious concern I have expressed several times already in this House at the escalation of violence since the breakdown of the ceasefire between the Turkish Government and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) last summer. This breakdown has been all the more regrettable given that there were positive signs in the peace process as recently as early 2015. Ireland has been a strong supporter of the peace talks between the Turkish Government and the PKK. The current situation demonstrates clearly the critical importance for all sides to cease hostilities and return to dialogue. The most recent Progress Report on Turkey, published in November 2015, stated that ‘It is imperative to resume the Kurdish peace process as a matter of urgency.’

The Government also remains concerned at the broader situation of fundamental freedoms in Turkey, particularly with regard to freedom of expression and the media. The rule of law and human rights are, of course, an integral part of the Enlargement process and were highlighted in the most recent Progress Report on Turkey. Ireland, along with the EU, will continue its dialogue with Turkey on these important issues to address the ‘significant backsliding in the areas of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly’ identified in the 2015 Progress Report.

The issue of human rights in Turkey has been raised by the Taoiseach at the European Council. The situation of the Kurds, of course, arises not just in the context of their situation in Turkey, but also in the context of the war in Syria and the situation in Iraq, both of which are discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council.

Officials in my Department, both at headquarters in Dublin and in our Embassy in Ankara, will continue to follow developments in Turkey very closely.