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

There is no doubt that there are serious issues regarding the role of certain multinational companies in Africa. I would like to acknowledge the work done by Irish NGOs. For example, Christian Aid, which has made tax justice one of its main campaigns, has conservatively estimated that developing countries lose $160 billion every year through unscrupulous multinationals that do not meet their tax obligations. It has worked out that for every €10 given in aid, €15 is lost through tax-dodging. A major emphasis must be placed on profit-shifting and tax-dodging by multinationals. Let us face it; every multinational, no matter where it is from, is out to make a profit.

I wish to comment on labour and workers' rights. We have all heard horrific stories of workers being abused, particularly in African mines. I am sure that abuse also happens elsewhere. Labour rights must be built into trade agreements. I would like to get a response on those two points.