During a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Commitee on European Affairs on the General Affairs and Foreign Affairs Council meetings, I asked: On the enlargement of the Union and Iceland, decisions have been made today on whether that will be on the agenda next week. Is it possible for the Minister to tell me Ireland’s position in this regard?...

I gather there is a dispute in Iceland with the united Kingdom and Netherlands. What is the situation on our fisheries and Icelandic fisheries because this is what delayed their application? Have they resolved this now, and will we be able to support Iceland joining the Union, in the event?

I want to ask about Croatia. I believe there was agreement last week between Slovenia and Croatia in regard to the waters off Croatia.

Is it likely that Slovenia will be enthusiastic for Croatia to join the EU, probably on 1 January 2012, in light of last week’s agreement? I also want to ask about Estonia joining the eurozone. I know that a Council Decision on this is pending. Does it require unanimity or will that question be dealt with under qualified majority voting? In the event, I gather Estonia joining the eurozone is likely to come about on 1 January 2011. Is this likely to have Irish support?

In regard to Somalia, I understand France has proposed the creation of a special court, which would sit in another country in the region, to deal with piracy. Will the Minister elaborate on that? Does he expect this initiative to be capable of solving the piracy problem?

No solution will be easily reached in Gaza unless there is an understanding of Israel’s concern in regard to the bombs and rockets being fired into its territory from Gaza in recent years. Unless we recognise that concern, it is unlikely we will find a solution. We can talk as much as we like about blockades and international law, but if we do not acknowledge that concern, we will not find a solution. A resolution will come about only if we recognise there are concerns on both sides.

There are legitimate concerns on Israel’s part regarding the 10,000 bombs and rockets that have landed on it in the past ten years. Unless that is taken into account we will not find a solution.

To read the Minister's response and the full record of the meeting, please click here.