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

I will not go back over some of the points raised by other speakers. I was able to attend the conference in Dublin Castle for most of the two days. The speech given by President Michael D. Higgins on Monday morning set the tone for the conference. It was a most powerful and passionate speech on inequality. He did not mince his words as to where the fault lies. The big powers must be taken on board if we are to address the issue of equality and inequality.

The conference heard from local community voices such as those of fishermen, farmers, pastoralists and women. They are amazing people considering what they are dealing with in their countries. Their desire for and achievement of empowerment is very powerful. The other message at the conference was that without the political will, no amount of empowerment will achieve anything. It was notable to hear from speakers from all the global organisations, including former US Vice President, Al Gore, that Ireland is held in great respect.

I accept what the Minister says about overseas development aid but we cannot give with one hand and take away with the other. I refer to his commitment to a 5% cap on bio-fuels. This needs to be taken on board right across Europe because otherwise we are undermining what happened at that conference yesterday. The President's speech was also very forceful about the small number of companies that control certain commodities such as food and confectionery. I mentioned the tax issue previously and I know positive moves are being made. I hope these will go further. If the conference is to have any meaning, we have to be very proactive in what we want from it.

Earlier today the committee had a very disturbing presentation from a member of the lesbian and gay community in Uganda. The presentation highlighted the need for careful and considered diplomacy. Ireland is good at such diplomacy. I ask if we can promote this careful and considered diplomacy with regard to gay rights in Uganda. The committee recently had a presentation from a group from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was frightening to hear about the increase in incidences of rape of young girls and women and also of young boys and young men. Can these issues be raised by means of careful and considered diplomacy with government leaders in those countries? The armies in those countries are involved in these crimes of rape. It could be because the soldiers are not being paid. In my view, there are plenty of dots to be joined up.

The Minister referred to the positive aspects of the Arab Spring but there are very disturbing accounts coming from those countries of the disimprovement in the status of women. Instead of access to education and employment and the right to go where they please, the situation for women is worse since the Arab Spring. I would not like us to lose sight of that reality.

I refer to the positive moves with regard to Cuba. A US delegation recently visited the country. The delegation made the point that the US does not wish to deal with a one-party state but it is very happy to trade with Vietnam which is also a one-party state. I do not see why the policy cannot be applied to Cuba. I ask if Ireland can play a supportive role with regard to Cuba. The Labour Party supported it in the past.