Updated 11.55

The Minister for Jobs has denied the government is turning a blind eye to human rights issues in the Gulf region.

Richard Bruton is accompanying the Taoiseach Enda Kenny on trade mission to build business relationships with the Gulf states which draws to a close today.

So far 95 jobs have been announced as well as €31 million worth of investment, through deals between Irish companies and businesses based in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE.

 

The trip has come under fire given the human rights track record in the region.

But Minister Bruton told Newstalk's Breakfast such issues aren't the focus of this trip:

Meanwhile, former enterprise minister Mary Hanafin spoke to Newstalk's Pat Kenny show about her experience of dealing with sensitive human rights issues while on trade missions:

Pictured above, Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce during an Enterprise Trade Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE