Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank both of the witnesses for the manner in which they responded to our questions. I am conscious of the time and of their schedule. I thank them for being with us. I acknowledge the points they made about how Ireland might intensify its role in providing assistance. In the meantime, the sponsoring of a prisoner who has been adverted to by members. The acceptance of children and assistance would help. We have many agencies that may be in a position to respond positively in conjunction with our Government. There is also the matter of stronger, more direct sanctions, which the witnesses mentioned. They may be assured of the continued support of Ireland in targeted and sectoral sanctions. We have been vocal in a number of international settings about the appalling human rights situation in Belarus, including at meetings of the UN Security Council, the UN Human Rights Council and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. We note with some concern the fresh report of the UN special rapporteur, Ms Marin, and we again call on the Lukashenko regime to adhere to its international commitments and implement the recommendations of the Moscow mechanism report, which highlighted proof of clear violations of human rights. We will continue to play our part.

As Chair of this committee, I had the privilege of being associated with a number of statements and letters. I acknowledge in particular the support of my colleague, Žygimantas Pavilionis, my colleague in Lithuania with whom I correspond regularly on the issue. The witnesses may be assured of all parties' support from our Parliament, as exemplified by a recent motion in Dáil Éireann. Members have undertaken to follow up, as they have indicated in their contributions, and through bodies such as the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, as well as through our own party groups, which is the European People's Party in my case. I give the witnesses an opportunity for a final message to the people of Ireland before bringing matters to a conclusion. I thank them for taking time to visit us in Ireland and in particular for attending this important meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence.