Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:228. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [74003/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 13 January 2026
Ceisteanna (228)
Freagraí scríofa
Ireland has repeatedly expressed deep concern about the situation in Hong Kong since the introduction of the National Security Law in June 2020, including the specific case of Jimmy Lai.
The most recent developments in the case strengthen our concerns that the introduction of the National Security Law and the subsequent Safeguarding National Security Ordinance are having a chilling effect on human rights in Hong Kong. As the EU’s statement of 15 December 2025 noted, the recent developments are emblematic of the erosion of democracy and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong and underline confidence in its legal system. Ireland shares the view that a free and independent media is vital for resilient societies and ensuring government accountability.
In addition to the recent developments, I am deeply concerned about reports Mr Lai’s deteriorating health condition and the possibility that the charges against him could carry a maximum sentence of imprisonment for life.
The Department of Foreign Affairs have been following the matter with concern since Mr Lai’s arrest in August 2020. Officials at the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations met with Mr. Lai’s international legal team in November 2024 and again March 2025 in relation to the case. Officials at the Consulate General of Ireland in Hong Kong have been observing the trial, alongside EU colleagues, since its beginning.
The Government continues to raise our concerns with regard to the situation in Hong Kong at the bilateral level with Chinese officials, including during the visit to Ireland by the Chinese Foreign Minister in February 2025 and during the visit to China by the Taoiseach earlier this month.
At the multilateral level, Ireland’s national statement at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in September 2025 highlighted our concerns over restrictions on freedom of expression, and called for the right to freedom of assembly and association to be respected in Hong Kong. Our National Statement at the last Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of China in 2024 called for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists. Furthermore, Ireland supported the EU statement at the most recent session of the HRC, which specifically highlighted the case of Mr. Lai and called upon the authorities to consider his immediate release in light of his deteriorating health condition.
As a member of the Media Freedom Coalition, Ireland has also expressed its concern regarding the suppression of media freedom in Hong Kong.
The Government remains committed to ensuring that human rights remains on the agenda with China, and we will continue to raise our concerns with regard to the situation in Hong Kong, at both the bilateral and multilateral level.