Senator Bacik calls for Debate on Human Rights and Death Penalty

Order of Business

Wednesday, 28 March 2012

Senator Ivana Bacik: In common with Senator Darragh O'Brien, I also welcome the setting of 31 May as the date for the referendum on the fiscal treaty. It is important to have set a date towards which everyone can work. I am also glad to hear that Fianna Fáil will campaign actively for a “Yes” vote, as will the Labour Party, which is gearing up for that already.

… However, whichever side of the debate Members are on, it is important that they contribute, as public representatives, to making it an informed debate. It has been useful to have already had a debate in this House on foot of a briefing by the Oireachtas Library and Research Service, which has contributed greatly to everyone's understanding of the referendum and of the treaty. Hopefully, it will feed into a wider public debate and all Members have a duty to ensure this is done.

I also call for a debate on human rights and on the death penalty in particular. I am conscious of a report published recently by Amnesty International on different levels of executions in different countries around the world and of serious concern being expressed about some countries in which it was impossible to verify the numbers of those to whom the death penalty was applied. Amnesty International noted a particular increase took place in Middle Eastern countries. At least 360 people were executed last year in Iran, 82 in Saudi Arabia and an unverifiable number in China, which was well in excess of the numbers there. While all Members welcome the reports of substantial Chinese investment in Ireland and while it is welcome to see the Taoiseach on a trade mission to China, one must ensure that human rights is also on the agenda there. I acknowledge the Taoiseach has stated it is and will be on the agenda whenever he meets Chinese leaders. However, a debate on the death penalty would be worthwhile in the context of the Amnesty International report.

Senator David Norris: On human rights, where is the concern about the 16-year old boy who was castrated in Holland?

An Cathaoirleach: Senator Bacik, without interruption.

Senator Ivana Bacik: In response to Senator Norris, I very much share his concern about the appalling report of what happened in the Netherlands.

Senator David Norris: I am glad it is on the record at last.

Senator Ivana Bacik: I am grateful to the Senator for raising it in this House as it is important.

Finally, I thank all those who attended a seminar last night on the future of the Seanad organised by the classics department in Trinity College. It was a worthwhile event chaired by a former Leader of the Seanad, Maurice Manning, and was part of a process that Members must help to initiate in the Seanad. Members must ensure that whenever the referendum on the future of the Seanad takes place, like that on the fiscal compact treaty, it will be preceded by an informed debate. Last night's seminar, at which attendees heard various contributions about the history and context of the idea of an upper house, should feed into any debate on this issue. I again thank the many colleagues who came along to attend.