Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 February 2014
89. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the way, within the areas in which he has responsibility, Ireland pushes for the inclusion of human rights clauses in trade deals between the European Union and other countries requiring improvements in human rights in return for opening up trade and investment opportunities; and specifically Ireland’s efforts in this matter. [7111/14]
View answerThe EU has competence to negotiate Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in consultation with its Member States. Increasing trade and investment is the way forward to create growth and jobs, addressing inequalities, increasing individual opportunities and providing mechanism to tackle abuses of individual rights.
Before negotiations on any FTA takes place however, an extensive Impact Assessment is undertaken by the Commission that includes, for example, an analysis of any trade and investment agreement on human rights / labour standards, environmental impacts etc. Before starting talks on a trade agreement the Commission requires a mandate from the Council. This sets out the areas that should be covered in any agreement. It is here that I have frequently made it clear that when it comes to sustainable development, issues related to human rights should be given the utmost priority.
Many of the EU's trade agreements now contain strong provisions to promote respect for core labour and environmental standards. Those agreements with South Korea, Singapore, Central America (Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica) and Colombia/Peru include such provisions. Specifically, topics covered extend to adherence by both parties to essential international labour and environment standards and agreements, as well as the promotion of activity encouraging sustainable development, such as Corporate Social Responsibility.
For example the EU-Colombia, among others, includes far-reaching provisions on the respect of the rule of law and effective implementation of international conventions on labour rights and environmental protection. Civil society organisations are and will be systematically involved in the practical implementation of this agreement, as well as others, to monitor how these important commitments are being put into practical and meaningful effect. In addition, implementation will also be subject to oversight by a special committee, and can be subject to an arbitration process. In respect of this agreement, a meeting between the EU and civil society took place on 7 February to open the dialogue with citizens and local Non Governmental Organisations to look at how the sustainable development provisions of the trade agreement are being implemented. The meeting is the first open meeting of the Subcommittee on Trade and Sustainable Development set up under the EU-Colombia/Peru Trade Agreement. This is one important agreement where my Department was especially vocal due to the serious concerns about the ability of trade unionists to undertake their legitimate role.
In other areas the EU promotes and encourages countries to comply with international core labour and environmental standards by granting them preferential access to the EU market. Full tariff removal is given to countries that commit to implementing 27 international conventions covering labour rights, environmental standards, human rights. Participating countries must report on their ratification and implementation procedures and are required to be open to international monitoring of their implementation activity.
These preferences can and have been withdrawn by the EU, as instanced in the withdrawal of these preferences from Sri Lanka over shortcomings in implementing three UN human rights conventions. This scheme is a real incentive for economies to develop economically and comply with international standards that affect their citizens' fundamental rights.
Trade and investment are ways to improve the well being of economies and citizens alike and I will continually urge that individual welfare is a priority in all trade related agreements negotiated by the Commission.
