asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the flagrant breaches of human rights including torture practised by the Government of the Philippines and the steps, if any, being taken to indicate our condemnation of such practices.

I am aware that various sources including international non-governmental organisations have reported on extensive violation of human rights in the Philippines.

In the joint statement issued on 6 March by the Foreign Ministers of the EC countries, including Ireland, and of the association of South-East Asian Nations, which comprises Thailand, Singapore Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, the Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to world peace, international co-operation and understanding, economic development, social justice and human rights.

As the Deputy may be aware, Ireland does not have diplomatic relations with the Philippines. It is accordingly not feasible for the Government to convey their concern at these reports direct to the Government of the Philippines. The position of the Government in regard to human rights violations, and particularly in regard to torture of persons in custody, has been made known in a variety of international fora, particularly at the United Nations General Assembly.

I have two questions. Does the Minister accept that the reports of torture and massacre on a genocidal scale in the Philippines are probably accurate?

These matters are alleged.

Secondly, in view of the very strong evidence to support these allegations, does the Minister feel that, despite the fact that we do not have diplomatic relations, there are other ways, such as international fora, through which our attitudes in this matter could be highlighted and pressure brought to bear by us?

Our attitude will be always made quite well known with regard to any violation of human rights or any aspect of torture of people in custody. We have always taken a very strong stance on any matters of that kind in no matter what country. That has been the consistent Irish attitude.