Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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62.To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he proposes to take regarding reports that Irish-trained Libyan militia were found at a secret military camp in South Africa; if he is concerned about the human rights situation in Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35473/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of reports that Irish-trained Libyan militia were found operating in South Africa. These reports are deeply concerning and cause reputational damage to Ireland and our Defence Forces. An arms embargo has been in place in Libya since 2011, which includes a prohibition on the provision of technical assistance, training, financial or other assistance, related to military activities or the provision, maintenance or use of arms and related materiel, subject to certain limited exceptions. No Irish citizen should knowingly be involved in activities that breach UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures, least of all former members of the Irish Defence Forces.

I continue to be deeply concerned by the human rights situation in Libya. Ireland has been active in calling for improvements. At the 56th Session of the Human Rights Council on 8 July, Ireland expressed deep concern about the marginalisation of women and of continued erosion of civic space, including repressions of freedoms of expression, opinion, association and assembly, as well as harassment and violence against civil society organisations, human rights defenders, activists and journalists.