Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Maguire for his contribution. I am sure he and Senator Norris will agree to differ. We regard human rights as extremely important, but trade is also extremely important. As Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan noted, if we took account of human rights all the time we would never trade with anybody. This committee will continue to monitor human rights and highlight problems where they arise, but it is also important that we sell ourselves to the outside world and particularly the Arab world. The chamber is doing a good job in this regard and the Arab world is an interesting place with which to trade. There are clear opportunities in the region. Several ministerial visits have been made to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other countries in the region, and these trade missions will continue. I understand the Taoiseach has also received several invitations to travel to the Arab world. I wish Mr. Maguire and his colleagues a happy Christmas.