Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, during the course of the recent visit to Saudi Arabia, the human rights situation was raised with the authorities there, particularly in regard to the treatment of women; the response he received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2035/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach visited Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates from 14 to 18 January 2007. I was not part of the delegation. The Taoiseach was accompanied by the Ministers for Agriculture and Food, Enterprise Trade and Employment and Education and Science. A business delegation of 114 people, organised by Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland, also travelled.

While the primary purpose of the visit was to promote the development of trade and economic relations, the Taoiseach and other members of the delegation held important meetings with senior political figures, including King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. The Government's human rights concerns were raised during these meetings. The Taoiseach also stated in a major political address at the King Faisal Foundation in Riyadh on 15 January that it is the clear position of the Government that fundamental human rights are inalienable.

The promotion of fundamental human rights is a clear priority of the Government, and a central element of our foreign policy. The overall human rights situation in Saudi Arabia is closely monitored by our Embassy in Riyadh, in cooperation with our EU partners. Individual cases are regularly raised with the Saudi authorities. Human rights issues also form an important element of the dialogue between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council, which is the main framework for the EU's relations with Saudi Arabia.

During the visit to Saudi Arabia, the Taoiseach and his Ministerial colleagues held a meeting with a group of Saudi businesswomen, in order to encourage their progress and to hear their concerns directly. The development of closer economic relations between Ireland and Saudi Arabia provides an important opportunity for the examination of a range of political and other issues. I am pleased that, in this context, there appears to be an increasing willingness on the part of the Saudi authorities and civil society to discuss important human rights issues.