Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the issuing of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court as requested by its chief prosecutor, Mr. Luis Moreno-Ocampo against Colonel Gadaffi and his son Saif al-Islam on charges of crimes against humanity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15780/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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In Resolution 1970, adopted on 26 February 2011, the UN Security Council referred the situation in Libya to the International Criminal Court, affirming "the need to hold to account those responsible for attacks, including by forces under their control, on civilians." On 16 May, following an initial investigation, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court requested judges to issue arrest warrants against Colonel Gadaffi, his son Saif al-Islam, and Head of Intelligence Abdullah al-Senousi, in relation to alleged crimes against humanity. A Pre-Trial Chamber of the Court will hear the presentation of the prosecutor, and decide whether to accede to or reject the request of the Prosecutor, or to seek further information.

It is a matter for the Court to decide on the merits of the case put before it. The Government fully supports the decision to refer these issues to the ICC, and we will support any further decision which the Court may take. Should any arrest warrants be issued, we will carry them out if any of the named persons are found on Irish territory and will encourage others to comply with their obligation to do so.