Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

Unfortunately, some comments made after the recent confrontation between peaceful demonstrators and the junta in Myanmar concentrated on the removal of the threat of immediate casualties or a repeat of the 1988 massacres. One can understand this but there has been less public attention on the detentions and the transportation of detainees to labour camps in the north of Myanmar. I support the request for a debate on these matters.

There must also be an acknowledgement by the Government of its mistake in accommodating the Burmese junta when it facilitated its participation in what was termed "constructive engagement" at ASEAN meetings. I acknowledge the Government's judgment at the time——

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