Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2014
118. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the reason Ireland is considering ratifying the EU-Colombia free trade agreement, in view of the many human rights issues and concerns expressed by Colombian farmers, trade unionists and human rights organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44329/14]
View answerThe Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and its Member States and the Republic of Colombia and the Republic of Peru, is an Agreement within the meaning of Article 29.5.2 of the Constitution. Ratification by Ireland is therefore subject to prior approval of Dáil Éireann. It is my intention to seek the necessary approval of Dáil Éireann shortly.
According to the EU Council website - http://www.consilium.europa.eu/policies/agreements/
- 17 member states have notified the completion of national ratification procedures. Once all member states have notified the completion of national ratification procedures, the Agreement will be formally concluded. The Agreement has also received the assent of the European Parliament.
The EU Colombia Free Trade Agreement is part of a multi-party Trade Agreement between the EU and the Andean Countries. These agreements will bring economic benefits to Ireland and to Irish business.
There is considerable interest in the Oireachtas as to the value of these agreements to support and enhance human rights, labour rights, environmental protection and more broadly the sustainable development of these countries. I have already answered 14 PQs on the matter this year and I would refer in particular to my most recent reply to written PQ 41056/14 on Tuesday, 4th November, 2014.
I want to recall a few important points in the context of Colombia.
Sustainable development and concerns for social and human rights are at the heart of the sustainability chapter of the agreement with Colombia. This is emphasised by the fact that, from the outset, Article 1 of the Agreement stipulates that respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights and for the rule of law is an essential element of the agreement.
During its negotiation Ireland, including officials from my Department, strongly promoted the inclusion of provisions to reflect this essential element. The inclusion of a sustainable development chapter provides the EU with an important means to contribute to supporting positive social reforms and to the greater protection of human rights in Colombia.
Furthermore, the setting up of a special committee, with representatives from Colombian civil society, to monitor implementation of the sustainability provisions demonstrates how the EU can develop real leverage for promoting its values and expectations through this agreement.
The elaboration by Colombia and Peru of Roadmaps on human rights, labour rights and environmental protection in October 2012 clearly demonstrates how the agreement can incentivise an agenda for change. Against this background, I believe the agreement with Colombia will be instrumental in encouraging economic and social progress reinforced by arrangements that strengthen the voice and role of civil society in favour of the progressive development human and labour rights.
