Foreign Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 January 2014

Tuesday, 28 January 2014

Ceisteanna (163)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

163. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the 20-year legal battle between Ecuadorian communities in the Amazon and Chevron-Texaco over one of the world's most severe environmental disasters; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the communities won the legal case for compensation in 2011 and that Chevron are still refusing to pay the legally required compensation; his views on the actions of Chevrons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4247/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the legal proceedings to which the Deputy refers involving local communities in Ecuador and their claim against Chevron-Texaco for environmental contamination. I know also of the active engagement of the Government of Ecuador in this matter. As this is a legal matter involving Ecuadorian interests and an American company, the Government has no standing in the matter and it would not be appropriate for me to comment.