Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for appearing before us today and I congratulate Ms Nabagesera on her submission. I agree in general with Senator Norris. There are several points we need to establish in respect of discrimination and discriminatory legislation. Discrimination is one thing but discriminatory legislation is another matter because it carries the imprimatur and approval of society. That is a very dangerous thing, particularly in the so-called enlightened world in which we now live. It is important that we create a clear impression throughout the international community that discriminatory legislation is unacceptable. Violation of human rights is unacceptable. I recognise that we are not encouraged to impose conditions on aid and I understand all the reasons for that, nonetheless we need to make it clear that insofar as aid is concerned we need the societies to which the donation is directed to recognise that we do not propose to support in any way, shape or form, discrimination or the violation of human rights. To what extent we have to pursue that remains with us. All the countries to which we donate aid should recognise that we are not here for the taking. We should not be expected to donate indefinitely if there are blatant violations of human rights and disregard of international norms in human rights. I strongly support Deputy Norris' points in that regard and I suggest that perhaps as a committee we liaise with our colleagues in relevant similar committees throughout the EU with a view to mobilising opinion throughout the Union to this effect.