Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Independent)
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63. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent concerns raised by Amnesty International regarding Bradley Manning's trial; if he will pay particular attention to this matter as Mr. Manning is of recent Irish descent and qualifies for Irish citizenship on the basis of the grandparent rule; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns questioning whether the ongoing court martial is proportionate, in view of the fact that Manning has already admitted to acts which carry a penalty of 20 years; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns raised that the US Government is charging the acts or attempting to make an example of Bradley Manning, as a warning to potential whistleblowers and journalists in the United states; if he will raise this with his counterparts in the United States Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36726/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. As the individual referred to is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings whose outcome remains undetermined, it would not be appropriate for me to comment in this instance, nor to raise it at political level. I am aware that concerns have been raised in relation to this case, in particular regarding the conditions of detention. It is the responsibility of every State to uphold the right to due process of all individuals detained in its jurisdiction. It is also the responsibility of all States to ensure that persons deprived of their liberty are treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.

The United States of America has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT). These international human rights treaties provide extensive guarantees in relation to the right to a fair trial and conditions of detention. As with all countries, Ireland urges the United States to ensure that at all times it fulfils its obligations under international law. I am not aware of any application by this individual for Irish citizenship. All applications are treated in accordance with established policies and guidelines.