Human Rights Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 March 2012

Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Ceisteanna (72, 73)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

124 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, in view of his forthcoming visit to China, if he will raise a number of issues of human rights abuses, in particular that of Ms Fang Yang, whose passport was confiscated twice and who cannot return to Ireland to finish her studies in Dún Laoghaire as she is under police surveillance in China; if he will urge the Chinese Government to end the persecution of Falun Gong which has been ongoing for more than 12 years and which has included the torturing, organ harvesting and killing of Falun Gong worshippers; if he intends to urge the Chinese Government to bring those responsible for such persecution to justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13932/12]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

125 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will bring to the Chinese Government’s attention Ireland’s position against the repression of spiritual and religious groups in China and the ongoing oppression of the Chinese people’s rights to free speech and freedom to practise their chosen religion; if he will urge the Chinese Government to implement and reform the judicial system in order for due process of law and fair trials for its people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13933/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.

The Government is concerned about the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners in China. Freedom of religious belief and expression is an issue which is discussed regularly with the Chinese authorities during both bilateral meetings and at European Union level.

At these meetings, the Government re-iterates the great importance Ireland attaches to human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law and urges the Chinese authorities to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Through the formal framework of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, which was established in 1995, the EU continues to share with China its experience in the field of human rights protection and promotion, and to urge China to take clear steps to improve the human rights situation. Treatment of Falun Gong practitioners is also raised by the European Union as part of regular political dialogue as well as during specific Human Rights Dialogue with China.

Human rights are a constant and important issue of dialogue and discussion with the Chinese Authorities, at both national and European Union level. In the course of the recent visit of the H.E. Xi Jinping the Vice-President of the People's Republic of China, the issue of human rights was raised at a variety of levels, including directly between the Taoiseach, myself and Vice President Xi. I will be visiting China in 2012 and officials on both sides are working closely on identifying dates and these have not yet been established.