Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Maguire for his interesting contribution. I do not know that trade and human rights always go together because human rights can sometimes be ignored when it comes to doing business. If we said we would trade only with countries that have a perfect human rights record, however, I do not think we would be left trading with anybody. I would have grave reservations about trading with America, for example, when one sees some of the human rights abuses there. None the less, we can lead by example. I hope Irish businessmen are ethical in their approach when signing trade agreements. There are quite a number of organisations, which I support, that want country-by-country auditing so that taxes are paid in the countries in which they should be paid. In that way we can try to eliminate tax avoidance and tax evasion.

As Mr. Maguire said, there is a potential there, but it is disappointing that it is not being addressed meaningfully. We should examine a more strategic use of our ambassadors overall.

The issues of visas and bureaucracy were raised, but is Mr. Maguire not talking to the people who can advance what he is trying to do? He said that Irish companies are more welcome in the Arab world than anywhere else, but I wonder why. Are there particular reasons for that? I would be interested to hear Mr. Maguire's point of view.