Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I thank Deputy Mac Lochlainn for his kind remarks in respect of the action taken by the Government with regard to the situation in Bahrain. As I indicated in my reply, we will continue to monitor what is happening in Bahrain, particularly the retrial of the medics and the protests and abuses of human rights.

It is important to acknowledge any indications of progress and of a response from the Bahraini authorities to calls from the international community, including Ireland. I did that in my reply. It is important to encourage the progress and improvements being made.

The RCSI is a private institution. I respect that. I have met senior personnel from RCSI and I have discussed the situation in Bahrain with them.

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