Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 October 2025
209. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether he will raise the case of a person (details supplied) from Saudi Arabia who is in currently detained in Bulgaria, with his counterparts in Bulgaria and with the Bulgarian Embassy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52704/25]
View answer210. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if officials in the Irish embassy in Sofia will advocate for a person (details supplied) to prevent the person from being returned to Saudi Arabia, where they are at risk of torture and inhumane treatment. [52705/25]
View answer211. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to raise the case of a person detained in Bulgaria (detailed supplied) at the European Commission or other appropriate forum. [52706/25]
View answer212. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will request a monitoring visit to the Busmantsi Detention Centre in Bulgaria to assess detention conditions, and in particular the detention conditions for a person (details supplied) who is in custody at the centre. [52707/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 209 to 212, inclusive, together.
Ireland is committed to promoting the fundamental rights of all groups, including asylum seekers. We have a strong track record of supporting fair, effective international asylum procedures that align with international human rights standards.
Ireland consistently utilises our membership of the EU, the Council of Europe, and other multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to remind member states of their commitments to protect the rights of asylum seekers. Ireland reinforces its commitment to fulfilling stated and shared obligations at every opportunity, in alignment with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Geneva Convention.
Ireland welcomes ongoing action within the EU to promote greater consistency and rights-based approaches for addressing asylum cases, including the strengthening of the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). Ireland’s commitment to the fundamental rights of asylum seekers is demonstrated in practice through our support of human rights-focused multilateral and civil society organisations both in Ireland and internationally.
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.
While I cannot comment on an individual asylum case in another Member State, Ireland's clear position is that all EU member states should align with relevant human rights standards and procedures.
