Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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99. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria in August 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37551/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I have made two public statements on the use of chemical weapons in Syria. On 28 August I issued the following statement: “I repeat my condemnation of the recent gas attacks in Syria. The horrific consequences of the illegal use of these armaments against a civilian population are appalling and an affront to the values of the United Nations. The use of these weapons has rightly been outlawed for almost a century. The deliberate use of chemical weapons against a civilian population is a very serious war crime.

There are growing international concerns that the attacks were probably carried out by the Syrian Government. The evidence the inspectors find on the ground may also be critical in clarifying who was responsible.

The UN Security Council is the appropriate forum for determining the response of the international community. I call on all members of the Security Council to fulfil their responsibilities under the UN Charter to reach agreement on the necessary measures to uphold international law and protect the fundamental rights of the Syrian population. I also reiterate my call for the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court to ensure that those who commit or order war crimes and crimes against humanity are held accountable. I reiterate that only a political solution can bring peace to Syria.

On 14 September I made a further statement:

“I welcome the announcement of the agreement between the US and Russian negotiating teams on the elimination of Syrian chemical weapons. The possession of chemical weapons is fundamentally unacceptable to the international community and their use under any circumstances is a crime under international law. The framework agreed for their elimination represents a significant advance in security in the Middle East, particularly for the security of the Syrian population who have suffered the appalling consequences of their use. Syria's compliance with the terms of this agreement is critical and must be immediately forthcoming. Ireland will support all diplomatic efforts to ensure that Syria fulfils its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and the terms of this agreement."

Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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101. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will highlight under the scope available to his Department the recent struggles of Colombian farmers and strikers against oppression by the Colombian authorities, military and Government during a national strike which began on 19 August 2013. [37576/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I am aware of the national strike that began in Colombia on 19 August when organisations representing agriculture producers, subsequently joined by other organisations, began a protest movement on a range of grievances relating to policies on trade and state support for various sectors.I am following closely the developments in Colombia, and regret reports of deaths and injuries arising in clashes between protestors and Colombia security forces. It is important that citizens who engage peacefully in the political and social developments of their society can do so without fear of risks to their personal security. It is also, of course, important that all parties operate within the rules of law. The challenging socio-economic conditions faced by some in Colombia are serious. I note that Colombia’s President has acknowledged the validity of some of these concerns and that he has called for the resolution of grievances through dialogue. I understand that some progress has been made in discussions between Government and protestors, with roadblocks being lifted as dialogue is underway. I hope that progress on the issues of concern can continue to be made through peaceful dialogue.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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105. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the peace talks in Cuba on the conflict in Colombia; if he will provide an update on the talks taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37690/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I strongly support the Colombian peace process and hope that ongoing negotiations will bring an end to the long conflict there which has caused much suffering. I welcome progress made to date, including the agreement reached last May on the land reform element of the peace negotiations. I wish the parties success in reaching agreement on the other important items remaining on their agenda so that a final comprehensive peace agreement can be secured. The European Union continues to follow closely the progress of negotiations and has declared its readiness to provide support for activities that promote peace, truth, justice reparation and reconciliation. Ireland supports fully this approach, and stands ready within available means to share our experiences, if invited to do so by the parties to the process. Ireland will continue to follow closely developments on the talks underway, and to support a negotiated solution to the conflict in Colombia.

Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Independent)
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106. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures he has taken, as part of a unilateral initiative by Ireland or working with our European partners, to address the ongoing serious persecution of Christians in Egypt, Syria and Iraq; if he has considered offering asylum to those affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37858/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Middle East is home to some of the world’s most ancient Christian denominations. Unfortunately, many of these often small and vulnerable communities are coming under increasing pressure due to a range of factors including low birth rates, emigration and, in some cases, increased sectarian persecution and violence. This has led to a significant reduction in their numbers in the region over recent years. In Iraq for instance, it is estimated that more than half of the Christian community may have emigrated over the past decade. The political turmoil which has overwhelmed many countries in the Middle East in recent years has led to increased international concerns about the safety of Christians first in Iraq and Egypt and now most pressingly in Syria. The descent of Syria into violence and disarray has left small Christian communities very exposed and sometimes subject to direct attack. Ireland raises the issue of the safety of Christians through its official bilateral contacts with the countries in question, stressing the responsibility of the government to protect minorities.

In situations of general instability and insecurity, such as Iraq some years ago or Syria today, this is of course especially difficult. Ireland also works with our partners in the EU to raise the issue in multilateral fora such as the UN Human Rights Council, as part of the EU’s human rights policy. The EU has taken a number of steps in recent years in support of Freedom of Religious Belief, including issuing Council Conclusions on the matter, most recently in February 2011. I have raised the issue of protection of Christians in the Middle East in discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council, and supported stronger EU statements on the issue, for instance in the Council Conclusions on Egypt issued on 21 August last.

Ireland attaches great importance to combating all forms of discrimination based on religion or belief and incitement to religious hatred. Ireland was elected to the Human Rights Council in November 2012 and will serve for the 2013-2015 term. Amongst our priorities as a member of the Council is the issue of freedom of religion or belief, and we have played a central role in the negotiation of two important resolutions on this issue in the past year.

Officials from my Department have met frequently with local Christian leaders from the Middle East region, and discussed the issues affecting their communities. It should be noted that many of these groups request that any efforts made on their behalf be carried out very discreetly, as any special attention from western countries might only increase their difficulties. While some individuals from the region have found refuge in Ireland, asylum in Ireland or in Europe cannot provide the solution to this problem, because the numbers are too great, because there are others also at risk, and because this would spell the end for ancient Christian communities who have survived in the region since the earliest days of Christianity.