Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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147. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he will take to help in the search for more than 200 school girls who were abducted by Boko Haram in northern Nigeria in April; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29489/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I remain seriously concerned about the worsening security situation in Nigeria. I have strongly condemned the abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls from the northern Nigerian town of Chibok by the terrorist organisation, Boko Haram, on 14 April. I am also appalled by continuing reports of violent attacks, including further abductions, throughout Nigeria.

I have given my full support to the clear demands of the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, and the High Representative of the European Union, Catherine Ashton, that the girls abducted in Chibok be released and that those responsible be brought to justice. I welcome the support now being provided to the Nigerian authorities from a number of our EU partners and from the USA, to help find the missing schoolgirls.

On 12 May, the EU Foreign Affairs Council, meeting in Brussels underlined our serious concern at the terrorist attacks in northern Nigeria and strongly condemned the abduction of the schoolgirls and called for their immediate and unconditional release. The Council emphasised the EU's readiness to support the Nigerian authorities in the resolution of this crime and their ongoing efforts to defeat terrorism in all its forms, in full respect of human rights. On 26 May, the EU agreed to fund a further series of measures, including the provision of technical assistance to the Office of the National Security Advisor to implement and coordinate counter terrorism legislation and crisis management structures, and to develop capacity to address the issue of increasing radicalisation and recruitment.

On 22 May, the UN Security Council Al Qaida Sanctions Committee approved the addition of Boko Haram to its list of individuals and entities subject to targeted financial sanctions and an arms embargo. With effect from the 29 May, the EU added Boko Haram to the lists of groups covered by the freezing of funds and economic resources.

Our Embassy in Abuja, working in cooperation with EU and other key partners, is in close contact with the Nigerian authorities, who have the primary responsibility for the resolution of the case of the missing school girls and to address the broader security situation. Our Ambassador in Abuja has participated in discussions among local EU Heads of Mission, which are advising on the EU's next steps in the area. We will continue to support every effort being undertaken by the Nigerian Government to counter radicalisation and terrorism within its borders, to resolve the specific case of the abducted schoolgirls and to promote full respect for human rights.