Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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11. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on reports that three air force generals in Venezuela were plotting with the Opposition to overthrow the democratically elected Government; if he has concerns over the violent nature of the Opposition street protests in that country; and if he has held any discussion with the Venezuelan authorities on this issue. [15391/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am very concerned at developments in Venezuela over the last two months. In particular, I am deeply saddened by reports of the deaths and casualties of demonstrators, law enforcement officials and bystanders. The Tánaiste and I join with the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton in calling for the immediate cessation of all violence. We urge that steps be taken to reduce tensions so as to create the conditions for constructive and inclusive dialogue.

Human rights, including to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, as well as to freedom of expression, must also be protected. I am aware of the detention recently of three air force generals on allegations that they were fomenting dissent against the government. I am aware also of reports of the detention of students and political figures, the removal from office and imprisonment of a number of elected mayors, as well as the barring from parliament of an elected public representative. All of these developments concern me greatly.

Ireland and the EU support the regional efforts under way to encourage all Venezuelan parties to engage in dialogue and to bring an immediate end to violence and unrest. We welcome last week's Ministerial mission to Venezuela by the Union of South American Nations and the readiness of that regional organisation to facilitate dialogue. This high-level engagement from Venezuela's regional neighbours can, it is hoped, support a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue aimed at restoring peaceful coexistence and the resolution of grievances through discussions.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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13. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken alongside his EU counterparts regarding the deteriorating situation in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15383/14]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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41. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the international community, the EU and the UN continue to monitor events in Egypt with a view to ensuring acceptance of human rights principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15888/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 41 together.

We have made clear on a number of occasions my concerns over the current human rights situation in Egypt. These concerns are widely shared by our EU partners, as should be clear from the firmly worded Conclusions on Egypt adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 10 February. While welcoming the adoption of the new Egyptian constitution in January, the Council deplored the absence of a fully inclusive process leading up to the referendum as well as expressing concern over the deteriorating human rights situation and the continuing use of selective justice against the political opposition.

Concern over human rights within Egypt have only intensified following last week's mass sentencing of 529 supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood to death by a provincial court. Ireland shares the widespread deep concern which has been expressed by many in the international community regarding this verdict and the clear failure to observe basic international standards governing the right to a fair trial. High Representative Ashton also issued a statement on 25 March expressing her utmost concern and reiterating the EU's complete opposition to capital punishment under all circumstances. She reiterated these concerns when she met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Fahmy on 31 March.

The human rights situation in Egypt was also considered at the just concluded session of the UN Human Rights Council. Ireland was one of eighteen EU MSs who associated with a strong cross-regional statement delivered during the session outlining concerns about the human rights situation and urging the Egyptian government to fully comply with its international obligations as well as fully implement the human rights provisions contained in the new Constitution. The EU Special Representative for Human Rights has also visited Egypt on a number of occasions in recent months in order to discuss and encourage stronger efforts on the part of Egypt's interim government in upholding and safeguarding human rights.

Presidential elections have now been called for late May, with parliamentary elections to follow later in the year. The EU is planning to deploy a full-scale election observation mission to monitor these crucial presidential elections. The EU will continue to provide all practical support it can to assist Egypt as it continues its difficult transition and, in particular, will continue to urge the need for the Egyptian authorities to actively pursue reconciliation, promote greater respect for human rights and clearly govern in the interests of all Egyptians.