Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
625. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department will provide every possible support to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63165/21]
View answer627. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken to his counterpart in Greece in relation to a person (details supplied); the work of his Department to prevent the criminalisation of humanitarian assistance within the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63188/21]
View answer630. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the communications he has had with the Greek Government regarding the arrest detainment and continued prosecution of a person (details supplied) in connection with their life saving humanitarian work in support of persons in danger at sea in the Mediterranean Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63300/21]
View answer632. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide assistance to an Irish citizen (details supplied) who is facing a criminal prosecution for espionage in Greece; his views on the position of those working for NGOs generally in Greece who help migrants endeavouring to cross the Mediterranean Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63347/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 625, 627, 630 and 632 together.
It is the understanding of the Department of Foreign Affairs that Mr. Binder was arrested in Greece in 2018 and has been charged with a number of different offences. His trial was due to start on 18 November in Lesbos but has since been delayed, following a decision to refer the case to a higher court.As Mr. Binder is a German citizen, consular assistance to Mr. Binder is being provided by the German Embassy in Athens and has been since his initial arrest and period of pre-trial detention in 2018. However, given Mr. Binder’s very strong ties to Ireland, representatives from the Embassy of Ireland in Athens have been in contact with both Mr. Binder and the German Embassy in regard to the most appropriate means of offering assistance. The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to follow developments in relation to his case and ongoing trial closely.Separate to this specific case, the protection of civil society space and the elimination of reprisals against human rights defenders and civil society activists are key foreign policy priorities for Ireland. In July, Ireland led a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council on the importance of protecting civil society space particularly in the context of COVID. In September, Ireland was one of five countries leading a resolution adopted by consensus denouncing reprisals against civil society activists cooperating with the UN. Moreover, Ireland works closely with the EU as well as with Front Line Defenders, who receive funding from the Irish Aid programme, to support human rights defenders, including for example, to improve physical and digital security or assist with legal fees or medical expenses.
