Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their attendance. I was gravely concerned by the correspondence the joint committee received from the National Union of Journalists. We invited journalists before the committee to find out what we can do to address this issue. Members are fully aware of the circumstances prevailing in Turkey. The Turkish Government has closed 16 television stations, 23 radio stations, 45 newspapers, 15 journals, 29 publishing houses etc. Has the Government issued a statement on the restriction of press freedoms in Turkey?

I note the International Federation of Journalists wrote to the Minister on the issue on 15 July last and I am a little perplexed that a response did not issue until 10 October. The delay does not indicate the matter was given the priority it is due. If something is being done now, that is fine but other than raising the issue at a meeting of Council of Europe foreign affairs Ministers, as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade did recently, has the Government issued a specific statement regarding the journalists who remain in detention in Turkey and the closure of newspapers and television and radio stations?

It has been reported that President Erdoanis seeking the reintroduction of the death penalty in Turkey. The possibility has been mooted, including by the president. I agree with the view that the coup was an attack on democracy in Turkey. We roundly condemned it and the International Federation of Journalists has taken a clear position on it. In many respects, it is being used as a reason or vehicle for strengthening the Turkish Government and President Erdoan's position through the introduction of new laws, including the reinstatement of the death penalty.

How are the journalists who are in detention being treated? Do they have access to family members and legal teams? I am gravely concerned by a report that one journalist has reported being tortured for three days in prison.

What action can the joint committee take on this issue? What does the IFJ want us to do to ensure this issue remains on the agenda at the highest level? Press freedom is paramount in all democracies and any attack on it needs to be condemned at every opportunity.