Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's response to the statement issued by the Ethiopian Human Rights Council in relation to loss of life and injuries, in the wake of demonstrations following the disputed recent elections in that country. [33478/05]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political situation in Ethiopia; if the Government has contacted the Ethiopian Government with regard to the shooting dead of protestors by riot police in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33298/05]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any contact with the Ethiopian Government concerning the recent upsurge of violence in Ethiopia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33569/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 58 and 101 together.

Ireland is gravely concerned by the unrest and loss of life which have occurred in Addis Ababa and some other parts of Ethiopia since 1 November 2005. While order is gradually being restored, I understand that an estimated 48 people died during rioting last week, over 200 were injured. Reliable reports suggest that up to 20,000 people have been detained, including most of the leadership of the largest opposition party, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, CUD, and some representatives of civil society and the media.

I condemn all the acts of violence which have occurred, irrespective of their perpetrators. They must be independently investigated as soon as possible, as was promised recently by the Ethiopian Prime Minister. The use of lethal force by the security forces must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. I urge both the Ethiopian Government and the opposition parties to exercise the utmost restraint and to act responsibly. The tragic events in Addis Ababa and other towns have further deepened the political and social divisions in the community, as well as damaging Ethiopia's international reputation.

The random searches, indiscriminate beatings and massive arrests which have occurred must stop. All political detainees should be released. Individuals detained should be immediately released if not charged under due process. Their whereabouts should be notified; access to them should be granted for their families, legal counsel and representatives of the ICRC or other appropriate representatives of the international community; and they should be provided with medicines and humanitarian needs.

On my instructions, Ireland's chargé d'affaires in Addis Ababa is currently trying to ascertain the conditions under which those who have been detained are being held. We will receive further updates from him over coming days.

We urgently call upon all political parties and the Ethiopian people to desist from further violence. They should pursue their political aims by exclusively peaceful democratic means. The resumption of political dialogue between the Ethiopian authorities and the opposition parties is essential if stability is to be restored. This dialogue must be based on principles of reconciliation, respect for the rule of law, human rights and democracy. The progress which Ethiopia has made in recent years towards a fully democratic future, and which is what its people clearly desire, must not be reversed.

Ireland has a strong commitment to the poorest and most vulnerable people in Ethiopia and the Government is working to help them through its aid programme. This assistance is making a real difference to the lives of poor people in Ethiopia, including in the areas of basic health and education. Our aid programme is kept under constant review. In making any assessment and future decisions about Ireland's co-operation with Ethiopia, we will be guided by reports from the ground and by shared analysis with Ireland's EU partners.

In a statement this week, Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, condemned the use of lethal force by the Ethiopian security forces and called for the correct treatment of detainees. This morning he called in the chargé d'affaires at the Ethiopian Embassy, following an earlier meeting last week with departmental officials, to seek his Government's view of these disturbing events and convey the Government's concerns.