Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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534. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make representations to the governments of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on the removal of restrictions on press freedom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13394/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has raised freedom of expression and media freedom in a wide range of countries, both through national statements and bilateral diplomatic contacts and through the EU.

In the most recent session of the UN Human Right Council in March 2016, the EU statement delivered a Statement in which it raised concerns about “increased pressure – including through travel bans - on journalists, cultural organisations, academia and civil society” in Egypt and noted that “limitations on freedom of expression and the severe punishments against human rights defenders and bloggers are also of concern” in respect of Saudi Arabia.

The EU raised concerns about press freedom in the UAE during the most recent meeting of the EU-UAE Human Rights Dialogue, which took place on 26 May 2016 in Abu Dhabi.

Ireland made a recommendation to the UAE on freedom of expression and internet freedom in the UAE’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council. Ireland also supported a cross-regional Statement on Egypt at the Council, which stated that “we believe that it is impossible to create an informed, active and engaged society, which is essential for transparency and democratic participation, without respect for media freedom and for the work undertaken by journalists”.

Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity at the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly, which took in October 2015, and at the two preceding General Assemblies also. This resolution calls upon States to implement more effectively the applicable legal framework for the protection of journalists and media workers and to combat impunity for attacks.

In May 2015, Ireland co-sponsored UN Security Council Resolution 2222 on the Protection of Journalists, which focuses on the need to combat impunity for attacks against journalists, enhance reporting on violence against journalists, and improve international coordination to strengthen the protection of journalists.