Mr. Colm O'Gorman:

I think it was Eddie Molloy who used it in the first instance. It is vital if we are to invest time, money, energy, resources and political capital in the development of human rights strategies and bodies of law in the development of agreements that have human rights standards built into them, that we monitor, evaluate and ensure those agreements have values. That is very important. It is also worth acknowledging that in successful economies - I am not comfortable as a member of human rights organisation making an economic argument for human rights - there is a principled foundation of principle argument for human rights that needs to be made first and foremost. The reality is that societies that have respect for human rights and equality are generally more successful economies. One might argue that if the full framework of human rights law was applied in many parts of the world where is significant conflict, it might go some way towards alleviating elements of that conflict. In that regard, there are times when it is important that we remind the world generally, as well as Members as legislators, and governments and states. When we talk about international human rights law, this is not a body of law which, as human rights activists, we wrote but a body of law that was written and developed by states. In that context all we are saying is that they should respect this law. This is not our law. This is a law developed and voluntarily adopted and agreed by states. In regard to the signature-ratification process, there are other stages to the process in the Irish context. As we are a dual estate we can sign up to an international law and can then ratify that law. However, it only becomes binding in national law when it is legislated for at national level. We have a fine tradition here of signing and over a long period, perhaps, eventually ratifying, but not necessarily bringing those laws into force at national level. This is an issue to which the committee may wish to pay particular attention.

In regard to the role of LGBTI people, I am grateful to the Chairman for giving Kasha Jacqueline an opportunity to meet the committee. That is important given what is happening in Uganda where, as Members will be aware, an anti-homosexuality law will come into force that can, in certain circumstances, lead to the death penalty being provided for people convicted of aggravated homosexuality - whatever that means. I am at a loss to understand that concept.