Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I apologise for the absence of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, who has asked me to take the matter on his behalf.

In recent weeks, Rwanda commemorated the lives lost in the genocide 18 years ago. International partners, including Ireland, emphasised our admiration for the resilience displayed by the Rwandan people in the past two decades and the enormous strides they have made in recovering from the disastrous after-effects of the genocide.

The horrific events of 1994 represent one of the darkest episodes in human history. The genocide of the Tutsi and moderate Hutu and associated crimes against humanity resulted in the death of up to one million people and brought unimaginable suffering and trauma to millions more. We should never forget these events. We should learn from the lessons that they provide for us, and we should continue to be prepared to play our part in addressing the ongoing consequences of the genocide and to make sure that it never happens again.

Rwanda has made important progress in ensuring that the country and its people can recover sustainability, by putting in place mechanisms to improve peace and security, achieve national reconciliation and to reform the democratic and political institutions of the state. Rwanda is now one of the most stable countries in the African Great Lakes region. Its stability is underpinned by strong levels of economic growth and good economic governance, and Rwanda has won praise from international donors for its innovative approach to development.

The Government is very clear in its position that those responsible for the genocide and associated crimes against humanity in Rwanda should be held accountable for their actions. More generally, we are convinced of the clear obligation on all states to investigate, prosecute and punish genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes falling within their jurisdiction. We are also clear that the criminal justice system must at all stages - investigation, trial and punishment - respect the fundamental rights of all persons involved, including those suspected, accused and convicted of such crimes.

Senator Walsh has raised the specific case of an individual who is the subject of court proceedings in France on foot of an international arrest warrant issued in December 2011 relating to a request for his extradition to Rwanda to face charges for taking part in genocide, and crimes against humanity. I understand from the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade that this matter is currently the subject of court proceedings in France and in the circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment on the case.

I emphasise that the Government remains committed to working with the government and people of Rwanda to assist them complete their recovery and move forward towards a future of peace, reconciliation, and social and economic development and better lives for all Rwandans.