Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2018
196. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is reviewing Ireland's diplomatic relationship and plans to deepen the country's relationship with Saudi Arabia in view of the recent revelations regarding a person (details supplied); his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43904/18]
View answer197. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the circumstances and reports of the disappearance of a journalist (details supplied) in Turkey were discussed at the EU Council; and if he contributed to same. [43488/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.
The case referred to by the Deputy was discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 15 October. All were in agreement that an investigation into the case is the priority now. In the meantime, following confirmation that Mr Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Istanbul, High Representative Mogherini has issued a statement on behalf of the European Union insisting on the need for continued thorough, credible and transparent investigation, shedding proper clarity on the circumstances of the killing and ensuring full accountability of all those responsible for it. I join her also in expressing our deepest condolences to Mr Khashoggi’s family.
I met with the Saudi Ambassador on 18 October, stressed the widespread shock caused by the case and the necessity for a credible and open investigation. He informed me that the King has ordered an investigation which is in the hands of the Public Prosecutor and conveyed assurances that the investigation will be competent, thorough and transparent and will hold those responsible to account. The Saudi authorities intend to work with Turkey in their enquiries. While there are clearly very serious questions to answer, we must allow the investigation to proceed now, and await its outcome.
Ireland is committed to promoting and protecting freedom of expression, freedom of the media, and civil society space. The right to freedom of expression, as enshrined in international human rights law, constitutes a basic building block for an open and free society. A free and independent media is indispensable, and journalists, together with civil society, play a vital role in holding governments to account. At the 39th session of the Human Rights Council in September 2018, Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on “Safety of Journalists” which was adopted without the need for a vote. This resolution condemned all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers and urged all states to ensure accountability for such attacks.
Ireland has consistently raised issues of human rights in Saudi Arabia, at bilateral, EU and international level. Ireland makes its position known through Ireland’s Embassy in Riyadh, through the Saudi Embassy in Dublin, and in cooperation with the EU delegation in Riyadh and other EU Member States. We will continue to raise our concerns about human rights issues directly with the Saudi authorities, and at EU and international levels, whenever appropriate opportunities arise.
