Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2012
49 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on recent developments in Egypt and particularly the use of violence by State forces against democracy activists; the role he sees for Ireland and the EU in supporting the democracy movement in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2334/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra55 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on recent developments in Egypt and particularly the use of violence by State forces against democracy activists; the role he sees for him and the EU in supporting the democracy movement in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2337/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 55 together.
I am gravely concerned about the lethal force used against protestors in Egypt during recent demonstrations in Cairo as well as raids last month by Egyptian security forces on local and international non-governmental organisations. I deplore such loss of life and large number of injuries occurring in the midst of Egypt's transition to democracy.
A vibrant and vocal civil society is as essential to democracy as the ballot box. While I am encouraged and welcome that the recent three-phase parliamentary elections to the lower house of the Egyptian parliament appear to have passed off reasonably fairly and peacefully, a democratic society also requires that rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are fully respected.
I again urge the interim ruling Supreme Command of the Armed Forces (SCAF) to ensure that Egypt fulfils its domestic and international obligations to uphold the rule of law in a manner respectful of human rights and fundamental freedoms during the transition period. In particular, I again call for the SCAF to end anti-democratic provisions such as the thirty-year state of emergency, as a demonstration of its commitment to facilitating real change and reform in Egypt. I also support the calls within Egyptian society for a full transition to civilian rule, the parameters of which must be decided by elected representatives. There must also be a credible, independent investigation into all recent violent incidents involving attacks on protestors, with a view to tackling impunity and determining precise causes and responsibility for the deaths and escalation of violence. In addition, the intimidation and persecution of non-governmental organisations must also end immediately.
While the transition to democracy must be Egyptian-led, Ireland and its EU partners are acting to support the democratic transition in two main ways. Firstly, through clear and consistent political support for the democratic transition and democratic values. The situation in Egypt was discussed by EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels on 1 December and will again be considered at the Council's next meeting on 23 January which I shall attend. I fully support the strong Conclusions issued on 1 December as well as the important statements of EU High Representative Ashton on 18 and 30 December. Ireland and other EU member states also engage politically on an ongoing basis with a wide range of government, opposition, parliamentary and civil society interlocutors in Egypt.
Secondly, Ireland and the EU are directly funding a number of organisations working to strengthen democracy and human rights in Egypt. In 2011, Ireland provided €150,000 to UNDP in Egypt for strengthening democratic participation in the Egyptian elections. The EU launched a €20 million civil society package after the departure of former President Mubarak. The EU also offered fully fledged electoral observation missions for both parliamentary and presidential elections though the Egyptian authorities have so far only been willing to accept an EU support programme of €2 million under the Instrument for Stability which will assist the High Electoral Commission in its work and provide support to civil society organisations.
Ireland and the EU will continue to act in support of Egypt and its people in their quest for freedom and a democratic transition.
