Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 November 2023
56. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 44 of 23 November 2023, if there is no formal mechanism for a member state to call for the European Commission to review or trigger human rights clauses in trade agreements with third countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52664/23]
View answerFurther to my response to Parliamentary Question No.44 of 2023, I noted that the specific steps required for triggering human rights clauses have to be considered with regard to the specific terms of each agreement concerned. Therefore, there is no formal mechanism to direct the Commission, who acts on behalf of Member States, to review or trigger human rights clauses in Free Trade Agreements, as such a process is individual to the respective agreement. The operation of FTAs includes regular dialogue between the Commission and the third country in question.
In terms of individual Member State engagement, trade related matters are raised at Member State level with the Commission, including at meetings of the Trade Policy Committee, and the Foreign Affairs Council on Trade which convenes twice during each Council Presidency term.
In addition, Department officials regularly engage with Commission officials as well as with their counterparts from other Member States, on trade issues of mutual interest or concern.
Finally, the Government pursues extensive bilateral engagement with countries that we have diplomatic relations. Matters of concern can be raised bilaterally, with the view of utilising Ireland's strong diplomatic record, to seek a quick resolution to issues raised, including concerns pertaining to human rights.
