Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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22. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any consultations with his European Union colleagues with regard to Saudi Arabia's human rights record, including, in particular, recent reports of multiple beheadings, and the advisability of maintaining close diplomatic and economic relations with that state in view of its human rights record; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45471/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Human rights issues form a continuous part of EU discussions on third party countries, be it at EU Ministerial level or among EU representatives in the countries concerned. Ireland has the greatest impact on matters of foreign policy, including human rights, when we speak with one voice with all of our EU partners. As such, we regularly raise human rights matters in conjunction with our EU partners through the EU Representation in Riyadh, as well as bilaterally through the Irish Mission using the complementary channel provided by our diplomatic relations with the Kingdom.

Ireland also makes full use of mechanisms such as the UN Human Rights Council to raise human rights issues; we made recommendations during Saudi Arabia’s 2013 Universal Periodic Review, and made a statement voicing serious concern at the Council on 21 September 2015 in relation to a particular death penalty issue.

Ireland’s stance on the death penalty is clear: we oppose it in all circumstances, and have expressed concerns about its increased use of late in a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is a designated priority market for Ireland, and we have a strong, and growing, trade relationship with Saudi Arabia and its neighbours. Saudi Arabia represents a significant market: total bilateral trade in 2013 was worth over €1.36 billion. Most of this trade is in Ireland’s favour; the economic relationship therefore has considerable benefits for the Irish economy.

The economic partnership that we have with Saudi Arabia, however, does not prevent us from raising human rights issues in the appropriate channels. We will continue to maintain relations with Saudi Arabia: economic, for the benefit of our economy and trade; and diplomatic, to facilitate our continued engagement with the Kingdom on human rights and also on other matters as they arise.