Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the vindication of rights claimed and upheld by a person (details supplied) under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 to that convention; if the Government has been contacted with reference to their issue; and if he will offer assistance in this matter. [18715/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is referring to an application lodged with the European Court of Human Rights, which a chamber of the court declared admissible in a decision dated 6 April 2005.

My Department is aware of this case. It should be noted, however, that the court's decision on admissibility was made without prejudice to the merits of the case. These will be examined by the court and a determination will be made in due course. It would not, therefore, be appropriate for me to make any comment on the application. The Government does not propose to offer assistance in this case.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the practice of the US State Department in designating specific countries of particular concerns; and if he supports this process as it pertains to Turkmenistan. [18716/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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From time to time, the US Department of State designates specific countries as being "of particular concern" within the meaning of the United States' International Religious Freedom Act 1998. This Act requires the State Department to submit an annual report to congress describing the status of religious freedom throughout the world. The designation process, under which countries of concern are subject to actions which may include US economic sanctions, is a policy matter for the United States Government. A decision was taken not to designate Turkmenistan in the annual report for 2004 on the grounds, I understand, that the status of government respect for religious freedom, from a legislative perspective and in practice, improved during the period covered by the report. The threat of designation was considered to have been effective in prompting some improvements.

The European Union remains seriously concerned about human rights in Turkmenistan. A draft resolution, tabled jointly by the European Union and the United States, was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December last year. While welcoming some limited improvements, including the increased ability of certain religious minority groups to practice their religion, Resolution No. 59/206 expressed grave concern at continuing serious human rights violations in Turkmenistan. The repression of all political opposition parties and continued restrictions on freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief are among the list of violations of human rights singled out in the resolution.

The European Union continues to monitor closely the human rights situation in Turkmenistan, including the area of religious freedom. The European Union will continue to press the Government of Turkmenistan to ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and to co-operate fully with the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations and with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, OSCE.