Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

There is nothing inconsistent either in respect of Ireland's position or the EU position on Bahrain. Ireland's position regarding Bahrain is that we are absolutely clear in our desire for an end to the repression. The clampdown on peaceful protest and the way in which it has been treated is unacceptable. The principles of democracy, the rule of law and the application of human rights are universal principles and there is no inconsistency nor any different approach as to how they are applied from one country to another.

In a manner similar to the political upheaval which has occurred in other countries in the region, the protests in Bahrain arise from basic demands for political reforms, including a new constitution, an elected government, more equitable distribution of the country's wealth and the release of all political prisoners. I reiterate my concern about the repressive targeting by the Bahrain Government of, in particular, medical staff and institutions. There have been widespread reports, including by such respected bodies as Médecins Sans Frontières, of the takeover by the Bahraini security forces of medical centres and hospitals, of the arrest and detention of medical personnel such as doctors, nurses and ambulance drivers, the violent prevention of medical personnel attending to injured protesters and many other incidents. These were the subject of discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council on 12 April and I expect they will be discussed again at the next meeting.

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