Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 34: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has met with or sought further clarification from the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, a body licensed and supported by the Government and Irish taxpayers, regarding the continued brutal and unjust treatment of medical staff in Bahrain and the recent sentencing of some 20 of them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29378/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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My Government remains highly concerned about the situation in Bahrain, and the recent sentencing of 20 medical professionals, a number of whom were either trained by or have worked with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), to sentences ranging from five to fifteen years. Ireland raised the situation in Bahrain at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 10 October where we made clear our concerns and urged continued attention on the part of the EU to persuade the Bahrain authorities to rescind these harsh sentences and engage in meaningful national dialogue and reform. We also expressed appreciation for HR Ashton's efforts and for her strong statement of 30 September criticising the sentencing which she had made in response to requests from a number of Member States, including Ireland. Ireland's concerns were shared by HR Ashton and a number of other partners and there was broad agreement that the EU should remain actively engaged on this issue and the general human rights situation in Bahrain.

At the bilateral level, I have already requested our Ambassador in Saudi Arabia, accredited to Bahrain, to convey our concerns directly to the Bahraini authorities. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the US Administration have also issued critical statements on the sentencing which I believe have been influential and timely.

There is some evidence that the concerted international pressure is having an impact, not least in the decision on 5 October to order retrials in civilian courts of the 20 medical professionals, a step in the right direction which I obviously welcome. I also believe that the situation in Bahrain can be positively impacted by the work of the Independent International Commission into last Spring's events whose final report should issue in the coming weeks. I hope that this report, once issued, can act as a positive catalyst for change in Bahrain.

I have met representatives of the RCSI and officials at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also maintain regular contact regarding the situation in Bahrain, about which the RCSI is very concerned. It is my understanding that the RCSI has at all times sought to use its influence in a positive way, by encouraging the Bahraini authorities to embark upon a process of reconciliation and pointing out the damage that current actions are having on Bahrain's international reputation.

I have already placed on record my views on the RCSI on a number of occasions and would again emphasise that it is necessary to distinguish between the involvement of the Royal College of Surgeons in the training of Bahraini medical personnel, which is entirely positive, and the detention of medical personnel by the Bahraini authorities, about which the Government is very concerned. I would further add that I regard the activities of the RCSI in assisting with the training of foreign medical personnel overseas as a highly worthwhile activity through which the College makes a significant contribution to the quality of life of millions of people around the world. The RCSI, as an educational provider, also has a responsibility to all of its students and ensuring they are able to complete their medical training. I can assure the Deputy that the Government will remain vigilant and continue to exert pressure bilaterally and through the EU regarding Bahrain.