Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 403: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding Angola, including respect for human rights, democracy and the electoral process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28310/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Angola has undergone major development since the end of its civil war, one of the longest-running civil wars in Africa, in 2002. It has achieved rapid economic growth, thanks to a boom in oil production and high international oil prices. As Africa's largest oil producer, Angola's economic boom continues today, notwithstanding a temporary downturn in 2008/09.

Hopes that the ending of Angola's civil war would lead to more political openness have only partially been fulfilled. Angola's first parliamentary election since 1992, and only the second since 1975, took place in September 2008. While an EU election observation mission welcomed the peaceful conduct of the elections it did not, however, go as far as describing them as free and fair. UNITA challenged electoral results in the capital Luanda, and four other parties challenged the distribution of seats, but the Constitutional Court rejected complaints due to lack of evidence. Following this ruling, all parties accepted the result of the election. In January this year the ruling MPLA party used its two thirds majority in parliament to push through a new constitution which reinforces the position of President José Eduardo dos Santos, who has ruled Angola for over thirty years, including by abolishing the provision for the election of the President by popular vote and allowing him to serve for two further five year terms.

Many aspects of human rights in Angola are of concern, in particular women's rights and gender based violence, the rights of the child and the situation in relation to human rights defenders. In February this year, when Angola underwent a Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council, Ireland asked several questions and made recommendations on these subjects. The EU, along with some EU member states and other countries, also intervened, asked questions and made recommendations on a variety of subjects, including reform of the criminal code, arbitrary detentions, trafficking in persons, and insufficient protection for internally displaced persons. Whilst Angola did not accept all of the recommendations made during the process, it acknowledged that some improvement in the human rights situation in the country is required. Ireland, along with our EU partners and the international community, will continue to monitor the situation with regard to human rights in Angola and will avail of appropriate opportunities to press the Angolan Government to fulfil its human rights obligations.

Ireland-Angola relations are limited, and there have been few opportunities for political dialogue in recent years. However, conscious that the country's rapid economic growth masks huge inequalities, Irish Aid does provide some funding to the Angolan people, amounting to over €4 million since 2008. This funding is channelled through Irish and international non-governmental and missionary organisations to support their work in combating HIV & AIDS, reducing food insecurity and promoting good governance as well as on various humanitarian assistance projects.

On a broader level, the promotion of democratic accountability and equality in order to ensure equitable and sustainable development is a policy priority of the Irish overseas aid programme. Our work in this area includes participation in election monitoring and support; support for parliaments and parliamentary reform; support for strengthened public financial management systems and oversight bodies; and support for civil society, including independent media. Irish Aid will continue to prioritise support to this important area and help to ensure effective, equitable and accountable governance in developing countries, particularly in Africa.