Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018
145. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the potential threat to a person (details supplied); the actions he will take in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46652/18]
View answer154. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Pakistan accused of blasphemy and convicted of the offence under Pakistan's blasphemy law and sentenced to death; and if will he raise the person's case with his Pakistani counterpart and request that the person is freed and removed from the exit control list. [47069/18]
View answer156. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he made representations to the Pakistani Government or its ambassador regarding the high-profile imprisonment of a person (details supplied) for blasphemy; if requests have been made to his Department to offer asylum to the individual and that person's family following the public disturbances and disorder following the individual's release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47182/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 145, 154 and 156 together.
Under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Ireland works within and alongside the EU and UN to address the persecution of religious minorities wherever it occurs.
I am aware of the case of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman convicted in 2010 of Blasphemy and sentenced to death. Following an appeal, the Supreme Court of Pakistan recently overturned her conviction. I commend the judges of the Supreme Court for doing so and for upholding the rule of law in a very difficult situation.
I continue to follow developments in the case and strongly condemn all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur and who the victims are.
Ireland attaches great importance to the fundamental human rights of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief.
I am fully aware of the vulnerable situation of persons belonging to religious minorities in Pakistan and will continue to raise the issue with the Pakistan Government as well as through the framework and mechanisms of the European Union and the United Nations.
Decisions on granting asylum rest with the Minister for Justice and Equality. I understand that neither Ms. Bibi nor her family members have sought asylum in Ireland to date. I also understand that any request for international protection in Ireland from Ms. Bibi would be given every consideration.
