Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I sometimes wonder whether it is worth bringing motions like this before the House in order to get a response from the Government. There is much frustration among many people in Ireland who are interested the Burma tragedy. Organisations such as Burma Action Ireland and others are continually trying to raise the profile of what is happening in a country with a population in excess of 70 million, that continues to be run by a military dictatorship.

I am glad in some ways that the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, is present as I expect he will know something about Burma, given his interest in foreign affairs as well as his own brief. I ask him, however, not to read out a history lesson on Burma for us. I would like to know what stance the Government thinks it can take, or is willing to take, in responding to what happened in Burma yesterday. At least 14 — some reports say up to 23 — political prisoners were sentenced to 65 years in prison for so-called crimes of using electronic media — in other words, they are bloggers. They were also charged with harming public tranquility and forming so-called illegal organisations. In many cases, the latter are peaceful political organisations seeking democratic governance in their country.

I have raised the issue of Burma on many occasions in various fora, including the European Parliament and on the floor of this House. Just when it looks as if some progress is inching forward, however, the rulers in the military junta seem deliberately to give the international community the two fingers. As recently as last month, the UN Security Council called for all political prisoners in Burma to be released. We now have a new UN Secretary General who understands the political complications of this part of the world very well and has taken a personal interest in what is happening in Burma, or Mayanmar as it is known by some countries. Yet we continue to get the kind of brutal response in the treatment of its own people.

I wish to ask the Minister of State a number of questions. I have read the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin's, response. The words are strong but I would like to know what he will actually do to raise this issue at European Council level. Will the EU's Common Position on Burma be changed? Will he raise the matter in the context of future EU-ASEAN meetings? Will he raise it with his counterparts in other EU countries who, in turn, can raise it at UN level? In that way, the international community, through the UN Security Council — which is the ultimate arbiter of an international strategy towards Burma — can take a tougher stance and send stronger signals to a military dictatorship that seems to understand nothing else.

There are strange but real connections between Ireland and Burma. Many of the minority ethnic population there have had biographies of Michael Collins and Eamon de Valera translated into their own dialect. This is to try to inspire hope for their struggle for independence. I saw those books when I visited that part of the world.

In addition, Irish aid agencies working in refugee camps on the Thai-Burmese border are doing fantastic work. The Government, through Irish Aid, is sponsoring much of that humanitarian work. We should try to get a serious response from the Government this time around. We will raise in a determined fashion on the international stage the ongoing human rights consequences of what continues to happen in Burma in a way that will at least make some small difference.

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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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.