Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 214: To ask the Minister for Health if he has had, or will have, discussions with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland regarding any influence it might have regarding the detention of Irish-trained doctors in Bahrain, following recent human rights protests there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14985/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade made clear the position of the Government in relation to recent events in Bahrain in his reply to questions 17, 23 and 33 on 2 June 2011. We condemn all repressive actions by the Bahrain authorities during and after the recent protests, including those taken against medical staff following their professional obligations.

We wish to see all reported serious violations of human rights credibly investigated, the immediate release, unless charged, of detained peaceful protestors and medical professionals who assisted the injured, access for independent observers to the ongoing legal proceedings, and a process of inclusive dialogue aimed at agreeing necessary political and economic reforms. In relation to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, its provision of overseas educational services on a commercial basis, including in Bahrain, is primarily an operational issue for the RCSI. In this regard, the relationship between the RCSI and the Government of Bahrain is a matter for those parties themselves and it would not be appropriate that I, as Minister for Health, should become involved.