Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 62: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the arrest of a person (details supplied). [33606/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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As the Deputy will recall from my reply to him on 29 September, PQ No 44, I gave an undertaking that my Department would contact him when the Embassy received a response from the Isle of Man authorities in respect of this case. I understand that an official of the Consular Assistance Section of my Department contacted the Deputy's office on 19 October to let him know that the police authorities in the Isle of Man reverted to our Embassy in London to confirm that the enquiry in this case was complete and that there would be no further police action against the person mentioned. I am informed that the police officer involved indicated that he also informed the person concerned of the fact and that she no longer had to answer bail on the 16th October.

Therefore, I am satisfied that my Department has responded to the Deputy as agreed. As mentioned earlier I am informed that the Isle of Man police have stated that they have responded directly to person concerned.

However, should the person concerned feel aggrieved at having been arrested in the first place, it is open to her to pursue the matter directly with the Isle of Man Police and they can be contacted in writing to Isle of Man Constabulary, Police Headquarters, Glencrutchery Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 4RG or by telephone to 0044 1624 631461.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 63: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is concerned about the loss of civilian life in Libya; if he has raised this matter on the international stage; if he is cognisant of human rights reports on Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33656/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I welcome the end of the conflict in Libya which, according to some estimates, has resulted in the deaths of more than 20,000 Libyans. I represented Ireland at the High-level Meeting on Libya which UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon convened in New York on 20 September on the margins of the sixty-sixth session of the UN General Assembly and was impressed by the new authorities' vision of an inclusive and democratic future for all Libyans and their well-judged plans for achieving it. The Libyan people suffered greatly under Colonel Gaddafi's long despotic rule, with no respect shown for their basic rights. The upholding and defence of those rights must be the greatest priority of the National Transitional Council which has now assumed full power in Libya, pending the election of a new government and adoption of a new constitution by the Libyan people. I welcome the NTC's commitment, as stated following the Declaration of Liberty pronounced by Chairman Abdul Jalil in Benghazi on 23 October, to the holding of democratic elections by next June.

There is no doubt that very major human rights violations occurred during the recent conflict in Libya, including cases of extra-judicial killings, which according to reports were perpetrated by both sides to the conflict. Respect for human rights and the rule of law will be crucial in the new Libya and must be a key priority for the National Transitional Council and its international partners. I welcome the commitment of the NTC and its leaders to protect and promote human rights, to fully investigate allegations of human rights violations, and to fully cooperate with the Commission of Inquiry established by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law in Libya. I also welcome that the NTC has extended an open invitation to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Special Rapporteurs of the Human Rights Council to visit Libya.

The ending of impunity in Libya and accountability for any violations committed during the conflict must also entail a full, impartial and credible investigation into the circumstances surrounding Colonel Gaddafi's death. I welcome the NTC's commitment to conduct such an investigation which is essential if Libya is to move forward on a path towards full democracy in which the rule of law and basic human rights are fully respected.

Libyans can now look forward to a better future for their country and one in which they can hopefully have confidence that their basic human rights will be fully protected and vindicated. Ireland along with our EU Partners will continue to be supportive throughout the crucial transition period, as will the UN which has been assigned the lead role in coordinating international support to the new Libya.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 64: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his approach to the current repressive policies against Tibet; if he will confirm if he will call for the introduction of international independent observers in Tibet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33659/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Irish Government conveys its concerns about the situation in Tibet and related human rights issues directly to the Chinese authorities, through regular diplomatic contacts in both Dublin and Beijing. The European Union, on behalf of its Member States, also raises human rights issues on a regular basis with China. This includes human rights problems in Tibet and the disturbing events in Kirti Tibetan monastery in Sichuan Province in China. The High Representative, Catherine Ashton, speaking on behalf of the European Union, has also expressed her concern at the situation at Kirti monastery and has urged the Chinese authorities to allow Tibetans to exercise their religious, cultural and educational rights. These issues are also discussed as part of the formal comprehensive human rights dialogue between the European Union and China. The most recent of these formal dialogues took place in June of this year. Human rights issues in China, are also the subject of attention and debate at the United Nations in New York and at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

A group of United Nations experts, led by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Mr. Heiner Bielefeldt, an independent human rights expert appointed by the Human Rights Council, voiced concern on 1 November over reports of human rights restrictions on the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China's Sichuan province, including allegations of intimidation, security raids and surveillance of the sites and religious activities. Such restrictive measures, the UN experts noted, not only curtail the right to freedom of religion or belief, but also serve to further exacerbate existing tensions.

The Deputy will be aware that the Irish Government is committed to the One-China policy, which acknowledges Tibet as part of China. We believe that constructive dialogue between the Chinese Government and representatives of the Dalai Lama is the best way forward to address differences and tensions in Tibet over issues of culture, language, religion and identity. It is essential, for long-term peace and stability in the region, that these two sides reach an agreement on the future of Tibet. To this end, we encourage an early resumption of dialogue by the parties.