David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the ongoing tensions in Ethiopia which have arisen following concerns that parliamentary elections were not held in accordance with international standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39172/05]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political and security situation in Ethiopia; the level of funding that Ethiopia will receive from Ireland in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39169/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation in Ethiopia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39605/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 131 and 208 together.

In a meeting on 10 November 2005, the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, acting on my behalf, conveyed to the chargé d'affaires of the Ethiopian Embassy the Government's grave concern at the unrest and loss of life which took place in Addis Ababa and some other parts of Ethiopia in early November 2005. The Minister of State condemned all the acts of violence which occurred, particularly the use of lethal force by the security forces, and urged that they be speedily and independently investigated.

Data provided by the Ethiopian authorities indicates that at least 45 people, including eight policemen, died and approximately 500 were injured during last month's violence. However, the final death toll may be higher. On 6 November, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi expressed regret for the deaths and promised to establish an independent inquiry which would investigate the violence which occurred in June and November 2005. He gave a commitment that the government would correct any mistakes identified by the inquiry.

The Prime Minister stated that the Ethiopian authorities were prepared to continue dialogue with the parliamentary opposition parties and groups and to review the parliament's procedures to strengthen the role played by the opposition. He reiterated that all Ethiopia's law enforcement agencies had been instructed to exercise maximum restraint and to increase their riot control capacities, with a view to minimising the risk to the lives of citizens. We understand that a number of police have already been arrested for using excessive force against demonstrators last month.

While no official total has been provided, we understand that possibly up to 35,000 people were detained in the first week of November and subsequently. Many have been released but we understand that up to 8,000 are still detained in prisons and detention camps around Ethiopia, sometimes in poor conditions. These detainees are being processed by the courts system. While the detention centres have been visited by the Ethiopian human rights commissioner and representatives of Ethiopian humanitarian organisations, despite repeated requests the international community has not yet been permitted access.

The Ethiopian authorities claim 58 people were responsible for launching and organising the riots, as part of an agenda to overthrow the government by force. This group comprises most of the leadership of the largest opposition party, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, CUD, including ten MPs, some representatives of civil society and 14 journalists and newspaper editors. The Prime Minster has indicated that these 58 will be charged in a court of law and that all their rights as detainees will be fully protected. They may be charged with treason, which is a capital offence under the Ethiopian penal code. They are allowed legal representation, are being provided with humanitarian supplies and have been visited by their families, the Ethiopian human rights commissioner, representatives of Ethiopian humanitarian organisations and the media. They deny the allegations against them and 21 of the CUD detainees began a hunger strike on 28 November.

An investigation commission was established by the parliament on 29 November, which will examine the violence which occurred in June and November 2005, including whether excessive force was used by the police and army, and report back within 90 days. However, it will not seek to determine the causes of the violence. The commission is chaired by the vice-president of the southern regional Supreme Court and includes representatives of the main religious denominations, the private sector, civil society, the judiciary and a government adviser. Opposition MPs have questioned the impartiality of some commission members.

On 12 December 2005, a meeting took place between the Prime Minister and representatives of two opposition parties, to discuss the establishment of a Government/opposition dialogue. However, the Prime Minister indicated that he was not prepared to engage in dialogue with the detained CUD leadership.

The establishment of the investigation commission, the release of many detainees and the beginning of a partial dialogue between the Ethiopian Government and opposition are positive developments. However, Ireland and the EU will continue to impress upon the Ethiopian authorities the need to strengthen the democratisation process by releasing the detained opposition leadership, civil society and media representatives as a confidence building measure; to allow opposition parties and civil society organisations operate freely; to open a non-conditional dialogue with the opposition parties; to allow the private media operate freely and develop a media code of conduct; to enhance public confidence in the national election board; and to respect human rights and the rule of law. These aims can best be achieved through continued active engagement by the international community with the Ethiopian Government and opposition parties.

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. A sum of €32.5 million has been budgeted for Ireland's bilateral aid programme in Ethiopia during 2006. Additional funding is expected to be delivered through Irish based NGOs and UN agencies.

Our aid programme is kept under constant review. Decisions about expenditure of the amounts budgeted will be guided by a number of factors, including political developments in Ethiopia, and will also take account of shared analysis with Ireland's EU partners.