James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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133. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the potential threat to a person (details supplied); his plans to offer assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49328/18]

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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141. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding a person (details supplied) in Pakistan who is believed to have a risk to their life. [49464/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 141 together.

Under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Ireland works within and alongside the EU and UN to address the persecution of religious minorities wherever it occurs.

Ireland attaches great importance to the fundamental human rights of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. I am well aware of the vulnerable situation of persons belonging to religious minorities in Pakistan and will continue to raise the issue with the Pakistan Government as well as through the framework and mechanisms of the European Union and the United Nations.

I am aware of the particular case of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman convicted in 2010 of blasphemy and sentenced to death. Following an appeal, the Supreme Court of Pakistan recently overturned her conviction. Since the Supreme Court decision, I have continued to follow developments in the case. I strongly condemn all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur and who the victims are.

My Department has raised the case of Asia Bibi on a number of occasions both in Dublin with the Embassy of Pakistan and in Islamabad through our Ambassador in Ankara (who is also accredited to Pakistan). The European Union has also raised the case with the Pakistani authorities.

My predecessor as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Charles Flanagan T.D. raised concerns on the blasphemy laws with his Pakistani counterpart on the margins of the UN General Assembly in September 2016. He also raised the case with the Pakistani Chargé d’Affaires en piedin January 2016.

Now, as Minister for Justice and Equality, who has responsibility for asylum issues, he has followed developments in the case. Ms. Bibi has not indicated a wish to come to Ireland. Should such a wish be expressed, Minister Flanagan has indicated that he will look favourably on her case.