Dáil debates

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

3:00 pm

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 38: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking to support the Congolese community of Ireland, many of whom are Irish citizens, in their struggle to highlight the human and political situation in the Congo, which is currently on the brink of war; and his views that it is his duty to support the Irish Congolese community in their efforts to highlight their plight. [2351/12]

Photo of Joe CostelloJoe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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The Government shares the concern about the political and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC.

Presidential and parliamentary elections were held in November and President Joseph Kabila was declared to have won a further term. However, there have been widespread allegations of fraud and incidents of serious violence before, during and since the elections. These are a matter of great concern, and it is now essential that all parties work to reduce tensions.

The European Union sent an election observer mission to monitor the elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which included six Irish participants. The preliminary report of the mission is highly critical of the process, pointing to irregularities and a lack of transparency in the elections. These are serious issues, and we are now discussing with our EU partners our joint response to the authorities in the DRC.

The people of the DRC have for years suffered the appalling consequences of ethnic conflicts within the country and in the wider region, which have claimed millions of lives. There have been atrocities and the most serious violations of human rights over many years. Ireland has repeatedly condemned these atrocities, and supported the bringing to justice, including through the International Criminal Court, of those responsible for war crimes and human rights violations.

Through Irish Aid, we have provided significant humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the conflict in the DRC, including €13 million over the past two years.

I am very familiar with the views of representatives of the Congolese community in Ireland, and have already met with them as Minister of State in order to hear their views on the situation in the country and to discuss the role which Ireland can play in helping support democratic progress and improve the situation of the people. I have agreed to meet with them again after the votes for the election of members of the Congolese Parliament have been counted and the EU observer mission report is complete.

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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As with the Minister of State, I availed of the opportunity to meet representatives of the Congolese community late last year, listen to their concerns and learn of their expertise as Congolese citizens. The circumstances are deeply alarming. I welcome the tone of the Minister of State's comments. What is occurring is an appalling tragedy when one considers the vast natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It would be of benefit if these resources could be deployed for Congolese citizens.

What support can we give to the Congolese community in Dublin? Would the Minister of State acknowledge that the indiscriminate violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo poses a serious threat to Congolese lives? The Congolese citizens in Dublin wish to have this acknowledged.

Photo of Joe CostelloJoe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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I acknowledge that. During the course of the elections, 20 people lost their lives. The European Union provided a very substantial amount of money, in the region of €50 million, for the election itself and security. The Union, therefore, has invested heavily. We await the full report. The presidential election results have been counted. They have not been counted in a transparent way such that we are not clear about the tabulation of the votes. That has been heavily criticised by the observer missions. The results of the parliamentary elections are being counted at present and that is why I have asked for a further report. I will be meeting our own observers and also members of the Congolese community after the count is complete and the full report is available. That is expected at the end of March or beginning of April. At that point, I will be in a position to return to the Deputy with further details.

Photo of Michael KittMichael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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We do not have time to proceed to the next question. Sin deireadh le Ceisteanna.

Photo of Richard Boyd BarrettRichard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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There are three minutes.

Photo of Michael KittMichael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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There are only six minutes allowed per question and many Deputies have tabled questions on the next topic.

Photo of Richard Boyd BarrettRichard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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My question is next.

Photo of Michael KittMichael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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We only have two minutes remaining and three Deputies have similar questions tabled.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Leas-Cheann Comhairle is trying to afford the House a reasonable opportunity to interrogate the Taoiseach. That is appreciated.

Photo of Michael KittMichael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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There will be injury time the next day out.