Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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132. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to clarify a situation regarding a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2553/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Human Rights issues form part of Ireland’s continuing dialogues with other countries, across all regions of the world. Human rights issues are discussed on a regular basis with the Chinese authorities during both bilateral and multilateral meetings, including during the visit of Premier Li Keqiang to Ireland in May 2015.

The Government follows closely reports of human rights violations against Falun Gong practitioners.

Through the formal framework of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, which was established in 1995, the EU continues to share with China its experience in the field of human rights protection and promotion, and to urge China to take clear steps to improve the human rights situation. The latest session of this dialogue took place on 30 November – 1 December 2015 and provided the EU with the opportunity to have a detailed exchange of views on a wide range of human rights issues with China. The EU raised a number of issues including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, and freedom of religion or belief.

In 2013, officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade held a series of meetings with representatives of the Irish Falun Dafa Association and human rights lawyers. During these meetings the Irish Falun Dafa Association discussed ways in which human rights issues are raised with Chinese authorities by both Ireland and the EU. However, it should be noted that the Chinese Government denies accusations of human rights abuses against those who practice Falun Gong.

Ireland, together with our EU partners, will continue to address human rights issues with China, in frequent and regular dialogue, through our contacts in both Dublin and Beijing and through the relevant multilateral channels.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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133. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if An Taoiseach has referred a case (details supplied) to him; the steps he is taking to address the issues involved; why he has not made any contact with the family involved and to indicate when he will meet this family. [2651/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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My Department is aware of this case and has been in direct contact with the family since 2013. The case currently remains under consideration in the relevant country’s legal system. My Department is therefore constrained in what it can appropriately do. As in all cases where legal issues are involved, our advice to the family would be to seek and retain expert advice from local lawyers.

Should any updates be received by the Embassy from the relevant authorities, the information will be forwarded to the family immediately. Officials of my Department both in Dublin and at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi, continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to meet with the family.