Written answers

Tuesday, 20 October 2020

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Foreign Policy

Photo of Neale RichmondNeale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

291. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the engagement with the Chinese Government in relation to the continuing rule of law crisis in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32042/20]

Photo of Neale RichmondNeale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

298. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent steps Ireland has taken to show opposition to the Hong Kong security law imposed from Beijing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31215/20]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 298 together.

Ireland remains concerned at the adoption of national security legislation in Hong Kong. The law, which was adopted without any meaningful consultation of Hong Kong's Legislative Council or civil society, risks undermining the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong under the One Country, Two Systems principle.

I made a statement on 1 July to express this concern and reiterated Ireland's full support for fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, such as freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. The matter has also been directly raised with the Chinese Ambassador to Ireland.

In response to the adoption of this law the Council of the EU adopted Conclusions on Hong Kong on 28 July 2020. These set out a coordinated package of response measures in various fields, including the operation of Member States' extradition agreements and other relevant agreements with Hong Kong.

My Department, in consultation with the Department of Justice and Equality, has carried out a review of the implications of the introduction of the National Security Law for Ireland's extradition arrangements with Hong Kong. Following this review, the Government on 13 October agreed to suspend Ireland's Extradition Agreement with Hong Kong.

This decision, which was taken in concert with a number of other EU Member States, clearly signals Ireland's concerns in relation to the rule of law in Hong Kong and the erosion of judicial independence promised under the One Country, Two Systems principle.

My Department, through our Consulate General in Hong Kong and our Embassy in Beijing, will remain alert to the situation in Hong Kong and, along with our EU partners, will continue to raise our concerns with Chinese authorities.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.