Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am one of the signatories of the motion and was provoked into supporting it having heard an impassioned and intelligent presentation by Mr. Browder. I addressed the motion to the issue of human rights, which is ranked by the committee as a very important aspect of its work. I was also interested because the matter coincided with events that were happening around another man, Mr. Mikhail Khodorkovsky. In Russia, the privatisation of utilities saw all sorts of oligarchs come to prominence. It is a murky world. Members will hear me talk about the Ukraine and Tymoshenko. It is the murky world of privatising natural resources that has her in prison and allegations being made. A fundamental human rights issue which has been presented to us which is worth listening to and supporting. I understand that since Mr. Browder was here, he has been charged by the Russian authorities.

Most people will find it objectionable on human rights issues that people would be tried posthumously. To prosecute someone after he or she is dead is a rather strange legal process. I am an eternal democrat and, having had preconceived notions about other countries but then having heard from the Moroccan, Israeli or Pakistani ambassador, I appreciate absolutely that hearing from a country which has to do some explaining can give one a better overview of the issues. That is why I would be supportive of meeting the Russian ambassador to tease out some of the issues which are international in essence. The Khodorkovsky case is a significant international issue and the Magnitsky one is big because the Americans have taken it on board. The Russians are clearly taking great offence at these issues being debated. We cannot run away from the fact that we must debate them, however, in circumstances in which they have been presented to us as human rights issues. As human rights issues, we must address them.

I thank Senator Jim Walsh for producing the motion. I asked for what I thought was an important amendment to delete the word "Russia" because I felt that if a motion like this should be debated, it should be in an attempt to prevent tyrants from anywhere - not just Russian tyrants if they exist - to avail of our hospitality or banking system to transfer ill-gotten gains. I am happy to debate matter and that the members who have not signed the motion should be afforded the opportunity to examine it greater detail. I would be very happy that we progress the issue. Mr. Browder was with Ms Anne Barrington, the director general of the Department of Foreign Affairs's Europe division, and I would like to hear her view of the lobbying that went on and her view on behalf of Ireland Inc. as to how it feels on the issue.

As he mentioned the OSCE, the PA and all of these other politicians throughout the world who were supporting the motion, I asked Mr. Browder but he did not confirm that any country other than the USA had adopted legislation. We must be honest with everyone around the table and those who may be watching live that even if we pass a motion, it will take years for the parliamentary legal process to produce a Bill let alone have Europe adopt it. Nevertheless, it is important to air and debate the matter which has come before us.