Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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21. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps that were taken in relation to raising the Saudi Arabian regime's human rights abuses, discrimination against women, and financing of jihadist and sectarian forces across the Middle East when the recent Irish trade mission to that country took place. [1266/14]

Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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27. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the gross human rights violations perpetuated by Saudi Arabia were raised by Irish Government representatives during the recent diplomatic and trade mission to that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1430/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 27 together.

I was not on the recent Trade Mission to the Gulf which was led by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton. Therefore, I cannot comment directly on what was said during their bilateral meetings.

However, I understand that during the course of his visit to Saudi Arabia from 4^th to 6^th January, the Taoiseach had detailed political discussions with Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz and with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah.

During these discussions, the Taoiseach welcomed the election of Saudi Arabia to the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2014-2016 and offered to work with Saudi Arabia to ensure the promotion of human rights. Of course, Ireland will work with any country which is willing to engage on human rights issues.

The Taoiseach also discussed the continuing tragic loss of life taking place as a result of the devastating conflict in Syria and the urgent need for greater international efforts and support for a political, not a military solution. This is the most pressing human rights issue in the region at present.

Ireland has always been at the forefront internationally in raising human rights issues through bilateral contacts and through the European Union and the United Nations, and we have never shied away from addressing these issues.

Ireland made two recommendations to Saudi Arabia during its most recent review under the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review process in October 2013. These recommendations focused on the right to freedom of association and on the improvement of women’s rights.

However, the primary focus of a trade mission is to encourage business to business links and encourage investment and employment opportunities. If we want to be effective in addressing human rights issues with countries, we must do it in an appropriate way and at the right opportunity, so that our concerns are taken seriously and acted upon.