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

I wish to reiterate for the benefit of the Deputy and the House that the case to which the Deputy refers is clearly a cause for serious and deep concern. As I mentioned earlier, Ireland has always been to the fore internationally in raising issues of human rights and the Government's ongoing commitment to human rights is expressed in the recently published Irish foreign policy review. I invite the Deputy to read it.

With specific reference to Saudi Arabia, Ireland made two recommendations in its most recent review under the Human Rights Council review process. These were that Saudi Arabia would set a clear timeframe for the enactment and implementation of a law on associations which respects international human rights standards. This was noted by Saudi Arabia. Second, that Saudi Arabia would prohibit employees of government from requiring a guardian's permission to allow women to conduct official business, particularly in situations such as filing complaints for domestic violence. This was also accepted by Saudi Arabia.

I reiterate that this case is a matter of serious concern. Ireland will continue to express our concern through official channels. We will continue to closely monitor the situation in conjunction with our EU colleagues and it is our hope that this issue will be dealt with by the Saudi authorities, with particular reference to a pardon in respect of the offence. If the behaviour took place in this jurisdiction this would not be an offence by any manner or means. Further, if a full pardon is not forthcoming, we trust that the issue will be dealt with by way of severity of sentence. We believe the sentence, as currently handed down, is by no means in accordance with human rights standards.

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