Human Rights

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2016

Tuesday, 22 November 2016

Ceisteanna (331)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

331. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to a new draft NGO law that was approved in principle by the Egyptian Parliament; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that NGOs in Egypt feel that this latest draft NGO law means putting an end to the work and existence of the civil society organisations that are now trying to survive the ongoing crackdown on NGOs and continue their work, despite the government’s unprecedented violations of the freedoms of assembly and association; and if he will raise these concerns regarding this law with his Egyptian counterpart. [35966/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the recent developments in respect of this bill. Ireland and its EU partners are engaged with the Egyptian authorities on an ongoing basis on issues concerning the status of civil society in Egypt. Ireland recognises the important contribution which civil society plays in strengthening dialogue between state institutions and citizens, both domestically and internationally.

I discussed the question of human rights with Foreign Minister Shoukri, including the position of civil society organisations, most recently during my June visit to Cairo, and I remain open to raising such issues in future contacts.