asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of reports of widespread torture and ill-treatment of political prisoners in Turkey; if, in view of the close links between some member countries of the EEC and Turkey, he will consider raising the matter with the Council of Ministers; and if he will indicate the measures he has taken to convey to the Turkish authorities the Government's concern on these reports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prisoners in Turkey.
12.
I am aware of reports of continuing human rights violations in Turkey and I have followed these with concern. The ten member states of the European Community, including Ireland, have jointly stated their concern on a number of occasions at abuses of human rights in Turkey and they have stressed the need for respect of human rights in that country.
In addition, Ireland has made its concern clear to the Turkish authorities in various international fora and through our bilateral contacts with Turkey. I regard as a step in the right direction recent political developments in Turkey, notably the elections which took place on 6 November last and the coming to power of a civilian Government.
While there is no doubt that in recent years the observance of basic political and human rights in Turkey has fallen short of what we in Ireland would consider desirable, I welcome the declaration by the new Government in Turkey immediately after they took office that they are opposed to any action which is aimed at curtailing basic human rights and freedoms. We now look to the Turkish authorities to ensure that human rights abuses are eradicated and that a speedy return to full democracy is brought about.
Could the Minister indicate if he or his Department have any way of monitoring improvements which are alleged to have taken place in Turkey? If he does not have such means of doing so would he consider establishing such means?
It would seem to be offensive to the Government of Turkey, which I said is a democratically elected Government, for us to start establishing means externally of monitoring their performance in the human rights field. There are reports coming out of Turkey since the Government changed last November that indicate that there is concern in the Government for the observance of human rights. I hope that will continue.
The Minister speaks about elections in Turkey but my information is that only three parties were allowed to participate in those elections and that a number of political parties in Turkey are still banned. There is clearly still a need for concern and action in relation to what is going on there. I would like some assurance from the Minister that, because a provisional Government have been established, the question of human rights in Turkey will not be forgotten about?
We will be maintaining our interest in what is happening in Turkey. As I said in my reply, the election of the Government is a movement in the right direction, even though it does not go far enough. I hope, eventually, that there will be a speedy return to full democracy. We must accept that what has taken place is a step in the right direction.
While agreeing with the Minister in what he says with regard to progress being made in Turkey in recent times would he say if former leaders of political parties, such as the former Prime Minister, are still in prison? I believe they have been imprisoned for giving interviews to the press and speaking out against the regime. Has any progress been made in that area?
I am not sure what the up to date position is in that regard. I will find out and give my report. I am very anxious to keep the Dáil up to date — and individual Deputies, if they care to approach me — about different countries throughout the world. I am very pleased to share with the House any information I have.
Having regard to the fact that Turkey is actively pursuing an application for membership of the Council of Europe, would the Minister ask the Irish delegates to the Council of Europe to seek ongoing information and clarification of developments in Turkey in the field of human rights as a preparatory step towards the decision that will be taken by the Irish delegation in voting on their admission to the Council of Europe?
A delegation from the Council of Europe, including the Irish members, went there in the last few months. If they have reported back to the Department, I will talk to them about it.
Would the Minister consider that his Department might be in a better position to brief representatives of the different parties on the Council of Europe from information he would get from his colleagues within the European Council and that this would be very valuable also?
That facility is available from my Department to members of the European Parliament. I would certainly be pleased to extend that to the OECD or to the Council of Europe.
They already have a first-class briefing.