Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 March 2018
124. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the increase in death sentences and the execution of prisoners in Egypt; his views on this development and continued capital punishment in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14466/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland appreciates the magnitude of the challenges facing Egypt and we are committed to supporting Egypt in dealing with these. This weekend’s bomb attack in Alexandria highlights in particular the security challenges, and I take this opportunity to extend my condolences to the families of the victims. However, a strong and stable democracy cannot flourish without full respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. Ireland and the EU oppose in principle the death penalty. We oppose and condemn its use in all circumstances. We further believe that the use of the death penalty is not only morally reprehensible, but counter-productive, both as a crime deterrent and as a punishment.
The abolition of the death penalty is one of Ireland’s international priorities, and my Department regularly conveys our stance on this issue to all countries where the death penalty is still in use.
The EU and Egypt adopted partnership priorities for 2017-2020 at the EU-Egypt Association Council, which took place in July 2017. The priorities make it clear that Human rights – civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, as set out in international human rights law, the Treaty on European Union and the Egyptian Constitution – are a common value and constitute the cornerstone of a modern democratic state. They commit Egypt and the EU to promoting democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights as constitutional rights of all citizens, in line with their international obligations.
