Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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169. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on concerns in relation to human rights in Bahrain (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47381/22]

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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170. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide the details of the Government's response to the continued detention of a person (details supplied) in Bahrain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47443/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together.

I note with concern the details in the case referred to by the Deputy.

Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels. 

Ireland urges all States to safeguard the human rights of prisoners and detainees, including provision of healthcare services, as set out in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Mandela Rules. 

Officials from my Department have raised concerns over the human rights situation in Bahrain directly with the Bahraini authorities, including the issues of freedom of expression, detention of human rights defenders, and conditions in prisons.

Officials from my Department have also met with the family of Mr Hasan Mushaima and have

raised the concerns of his family directly with the Embassy of Bahrain in London.

Ireland also engages on the issue of human rights in Bahrain as a member of the European Union. At the most recent EU-Bahrain Human Rights Dialogue in February 2021, issues of concern raised by the EU included rule of law, prison conditions, right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, freedom of association, the death penalty, and torture.

The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, has made representations to the Bahraini authorities on the detention of a number of individuals, including that of Mr Hasan Mushaima.  

Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain, and calls on the Bahraini Government to deliver on its stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights.