Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals he has in regard to the concerns of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford regarding the sentences received by two persons in Saudi Arabia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31610/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government shares the widespread concern about the case referred to. I regard any punishment by flogging as abhorrent, no matter where it takes place. I am shocked by the sentences in this case in Saudi Arabia and by the context in which they have been imposed.

As soon as I became aware of the case, I asked our Embassy in Riyadh to ascertain the facts and to consult with our EU partners on the most effective possible intervention in the interests of the victims. We also joined with our EU partners in agreeing an immediate approach to the Saudi authorities, expressing our strong concerns. On behalf of the EU, the Portuguese Presidency raised the case with the Saudi Foreign Ministry on Sunday, 25 November, stressing our shock at the severity of the sentence, and the imperative need in such cases for physical and psychological support for the victims. The Presidency also emphasised the huge public concern about this case across the EU and the negative image of Saudi Arabia which it has presented internationally.

It is important to note that the verdict of the court in this case has been the subject of widespread discussion and publicly expressed disquiet within Saudi Arabia. This would have been highly unlikely a few years ago and in itself represents something of a positive development in relation to the human rights situation.

The judicial process in the case is continuing. We are following developments closely, in cooperation with our EU partners, and will ensure that our concerns continue to be understood clearly. Our overriding objective will be to ensure that the sentence imposed is not carried out.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to human rights abuses in Uganda; if he and his EU and UN colleagues have monitored the situation; the plans to address this issue in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31625/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The human rights situation in Uganda has shown gradual improvement over the last two decades. The first multi-party elections following the return to a democratic system took place in 2006, and were described by the EU Election Observation Mission as "generally well administered, transparent, competitive ... demonstrating some significant improvements...". Encouragingly also, a ceasefire with the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in Northern Uganda has generally held since August 2006, and the peace process aimed at resolving that conflict is ongoing. A sustainable and just end to that appalling conflict, which was notorious for the abduction by the LRA of children for use as child soldiers and sex slaves, will be an important step forward in advancing the human rights of the people of Uganda.

However, issues of concern remain. In April 2007, EU Heads of Mission drew attention to the continued existence of so-called "safe houses" which act as extra-judicial places of detention. EU Heads of Mission and UN representatives in Uganda have also expressed concerns about the forced disarmament programme being carried out by the Ugandan army in the Karamoja region, following unrest which led to the deaths of 48 civilians and 22 Ugandan soldiers there in October 2006. It is feared that excessive force may have been used, accompanied by human rights violations, in the course of this effort.

The initial refusal of the Ugandan Government in March of this year to carry out court orders to release on bail members of the People's Resistance Army (PRA) gave rise to serious concerns. In response to a request from my officials, the Ugandan Ambassador in London travelled to Dublin for discussions with them on this matter.

EU Heads of Mission in Kampala have regular discussions with the Ugandan authorities on a wide variety of issues, including human rights and governance. The Partners for Democracy and Governance (PDG) group, which Ireland co-chaired in 2006-07, has regular meetings with President Museveni and other key government leaders, at which all issues are on the table.

On 18 June 2007, the General Affairs and External Relations Council expressed its strong support for the northern Uganda peace process, and urged the Government of Uganda to shoulder its responsibilities as regards long-term reconstruction in northern Uganda. Ministers also underlined the importance of the Government of Uganda continuing to strengthen respect for human rights and the rule of law and, in this regard, referred to concerns regarding the Karamoja region.

Support for human rights is a key element in the Government's efforts to help eradicate poverty and promote development. Through Irish Aid, the Government is committed to strengthening good governance in our partner countries through support for democratic systems of government, public sector reform, strengthening the rule of law and enhancing respect for human rights. In 2006, Irish Aid provided over €32 million in funding to Uganda and has programmed €34 million for 2007. Support for governance is a central element of the Irish Aid programme.

In making future assessments of, and decisions about, Ireland's cooperation with Uganda and the human rights situation there, I will be guided by the situation on the ground, as advised by our Embassy in Kampala, and by close contact and liaison with our EU and like-minded development partners.