Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018
105. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has sought action either here or at EU level against Saudi Arabia following the killing of a person (details supplied). [48123/18]
View answer115. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the approach that has been taken by his Department in relation to the allegations that Saudi Arabia was responsible for the murder of a person (details supplied); and the way in which this compares to the approach taken regarding Russian diplomats and the Salisbury poisoning. [48050/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 115 together.
As I have stated on a number of occasions, Ireland believes it is very important that an independent and impartial investigation into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi takes place. On 20 October, High Representative Federica Mogherini 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’. On 17 November, the High Representative issued a follow up statement reiterating this call and noting that ‘the need remains to shed full clarity on the circumstances surrounding this horrendous crime’. As previously mentioned in the Dáil, I met with Saudi Ambassador Al-Jubeir on 18 October and stressed the widespread shock caused by the case and the necessity for a credible and open investigation. Senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have reiterated Ireland’s concerns to the Ambassador in recent weeks.
Having called for an investigation, we must wait and give consideration to findings based on verifiable evidence, before considering next steps. Though the media reports of the case are disturbing, we are still lacking verifiable facts at this stage.
In the Salisbury case there was an EU decision to stand in solidarity with a Member State. This decision was taken on foot of extensive briefings by the UK and a compelling case made by Prime Minister May in support of her government’s assessment that it was highly likely that the Russian Federation was responsible for the poisoning. Our decision to expel a Russian diplomat was made following an assessment that included various factors, including our own national security.
At the UN Human Rights Council in September, Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on ‘Safety of Journalists’, condemning all violence against journalists and urging all states to ensure accountability for such attacks. Ireland also specifically raised the Khashoggi case at the UN Human Rights Council on 5 November in our intervention during the Universal Periodic Review of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
Ireland will continue to raise concerns about human rights issues directly with the Saudi authorities, and at EU and international levels, whenever appropriate opportunities arise.
