Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter on the Adjournment. Like Deputy Coveney, the Government is deeply shocked by the severe sentences which were imposed on Burmese political activists by a closed military court yesterday afternoon. On hearing news of the sentences, the Minister for Foreign Affairs immediately issued a statement on the matter. The statement encapsulates the Government's position on the issue and states:

I am appalled by the severity of the sentences imposed today on several respected political activists, whose sole crime has been to try to communicate to the outside world the truth about the conditions under which the people of Burma are living. The 65-year sentences will mean that these courageous individuals face spending the rest of their lives in Burma's inhumane prison system. This is yet another unacceptable, callous, act by a brutal regime that daily violates the basic human rights of the Burmese people and which will tolerate no voices seeking freedom and justice. I have repeatedly made clear our Government's demand for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners and I will continue to work with my EU colleagues, with the UN and with the countries of the region to do all possible to accelerate our efforts in this regard.

In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs contacted the French EU Presidency and other EU partners urgently seeking the issue of an EU statement on these events. This statement, issued today, condemns the sentences and demands the immediate release of these and all political prisoners. It also recalls the statement made by EU Foreign Ministers on Monday calling again for the lifting of restrictions placed on political parties in Burma and the early release of those under detention. The Ministers also stated their view that the elections scheduled for 2010 will have no credibility unless all political prisoners are released unconditionally, in particular Aung San Suu Kyi, and a political process is initiated with the support of the United Nations on the basis of an inclusive, long-term dialogue in which the opposition and ethnic groups can participate fully. It is estimated that at present over 2,000 political prisoners are under detention in Burma, often in appalling conditions.

There is increasing concern for the worsening treatment which many of these prisoners face. NGOs have received reports from sources in Burma that the regime is now confining political prisoners to their cells without exercise periods and is stopping families from bringing them extra food and other supplies to top up the meagre food rations. Most seriously, the regime appears to be systematically denying medical treatment to political prisoners, including to Aung San Suu Kyi. Earlier this year, her doctor was refused permission to visit her over a three-month period.

I note with great regret that the junta has detained even more political prisoners in the past weeks and months. Human Rights Watch has reported that 39 politically-motivated arrests were made in August and September, and more than 20 political prisoners were given jail terms. Among those arrested in recent months was Ms Nilar Thein, a leading member of the 88 Generation Group, who was one of those sentenced yesterday afternoon.

There has been a conspicuous absence of political progress in Burma since the events of 2007. The military continues to repress monks, political activists and ethnic minorities. The sentences handed down yesterday seem to confirm that the junta is determined to maintain an iron hold on the country, irrespective of the fact that elections will be held next year.

The Government has long taken a strong, proactive stand on the appalling situation in Burma. We would very much like to see the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, engaging on a personal level in the search for a solution and a more concerted, effective role by Burma's neighbours. I am most grateful to have this opportunity to reiterate the Government's deep concern on this issue.

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