Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In our relations with any country, be it Saudi Arabia or elsewhere, we look at the totality of the relationship; it is never based on one issue. Our relationship with Saudi Arabia encompasses a range of issues including both trade promotion and human rights. The total level of trade with Saudi Arabia stands at €900 million annually and that is very much tilted in Ireland's favour. Our merchandise exports amounted to €527 million and service exports amounted to €303 million in 2011. Imports from Saudi Arabia amounted to €51 million so the balance of trade is very much in Ireland's favour. There is significant growth for Irish exports to Saudi Arabia and our trade with Saudi Arabia grew by 18% last year. The Irish-Saudi Arabia Business Council is an independent body that receives no funding from the State and is the coming together of the chambers of commerce to promote trade and business activity between the two countries. The growth of that trade activity does not compromise or change our view of human rights issues, which are universal. The building of trade relations gives us an enhanced opportunity to engage on human rights with the countries concerned.

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