Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 October 2018
98. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the case of a person (details supplied) has been raised at EU level; the action taken by the EU in relation to this matter; if he has raised this issue with the Saudi Embassy in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44082/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra110. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the disappearance of a person (details suppled) and diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44233/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 110 together.
The case referred to by the Deputies was discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 15 October. All were in agreement that an investigation into the case is the priority now. Since then Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Mr Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Istanbul. We heard further shocking details from the Turkish President yesterday, however we still do not have all the facts of the case. High Representative Federica Mogherini has issued a statement on behalf of the European Union insisting on the need for a thorough, credible and transparent investigation, shedding proper clarity on the circumstances of the killing and ensuring full accountability of all those responsible for it. Ireland supports calls for the completion of this investigation. I would also like to express my deepest condolences to Mr Khashoggi’s family.
As I mentioned in the Dáil last week, I met with the Saudi Ambassador, H.E. Mr Nail bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, on 18 October and stressed the widespread shock caused by the case and the necessity for a credible and open investigation. It is imperative that the ongoing investigation gets to the facts of the case and ensures that those responsible for the killing are held accountable.
While there are clearly very serious questions to answer, we must allow the investigation to proceed now, and await its outcome. Once the investigation is complete we can consider next steps. Our approach will be in tandem with our EU partners and these will depend on the next steps taken by Saudi authorities.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental right under international human rights law. Journalists play a vital role in holding governments to account. Ireland has consistently raised issues of human rights in Saudi Arabia, at bilateral, EU and international level. Ireland makes its position known through Ireland’s Embassy in Riyadh, through the Saudi Embassy in Dublin, and in cooperation with the EU delegation in Riyadh and other EU Member States. Ireland will continue to raise concerns about human rights issues directly with the Saudi authorities, and at EU and international levels, whenever appropriate opportunities arise.
