Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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122. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will give detailed consideration to all the issues outlined in a recent publication (details supplied); if he will raise these issues in appropriate fora such as the EU Foreign Affairs Council and the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11983/23]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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123. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will seek a specific discussion at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the concerning issues outlined in a recent publication (details supplied) about the persecution of Christians around the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11984/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.

My Department has received a copy of the Church in Chains Global Guide and is currently considering its content and findings. Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are.

The promotion of freedom of religion or belief is a priority for Ireland and the EU's human rights engagement at both bilateral and multilateral level, as reaffirmed in The Global Island: Ireland's Foreign Policy for a Changing World.

During our Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013, Ireland played a key role in the development and adoption of the EU guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief, which provide a framework for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief in the EU's external human rights policy. Ireland continues to work with EU partners to address the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities through the EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024, which includes an express reference to stepping up action to combat discrimination on any ground, including religion or belief.

Ireland has also spoken out at the UN Security Council to raise issues relating to freedom of religion or belief. In March 2021, Ireland shared its experience from the Northern Ireland peace process on the role which religious leaders played as mediators in conflict. Once again, Ireland condemned the use of religion or belief to create a hierarchy of humanity from which Christians and other religious communities can be subjected to violence and persecution.

Ireland consistently co-sponsors resolutions on freedom of religion or belief at the UN General Assembly and at the UN Human Rights Council. Ireland is also a member of the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

My Department will consider how best to most effectively continue Ireland's engagement on the issue of freedom of religion or belief, including in relation to the issues raised by the Church in Chains Global Guide.