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

I acknowledge the work of all NGOs, not just for work on the ground but also the policy papers that have emerged. They have challenged more traditional thinking on the topic. Trade is a considerable way out of aid. When we look at the extent of the wealth in the developing world, such as oil, gas and minerals, alarming is too mild to describe what is being lost to the developing world. The developing world could solve all of our problems in the West if it was done in a fairer way then has been the case.

We know about tax avoidance and evasion and there is no doubt we are seeing a new colonialism. The new colonialism includes trade agreements that are less than fair to developing countries. Some of the reasons include the lack of capacity of the Governments to negotiate fairly, corruption on the part of Governments that negotiate and do so for themselves, and the severe lack of parliamentary oversight. Even when new regimes come into power and one expects better things from them, they fall into old habits very quickly.

I refer to the greater capacity of multinational companies to work systems. We know they are profit driven and whether they are European, American or Chinese, corporate interests are their gods. Policy coherence is going to be very difficult. We are not in the best position to talk about the basic principle of countries being able to decide on their economic policies. We could serve as an example of how not to do it. We can promote what is being called economic democracy.

Bio-fuels are a major issue and we cannot give with one hand and take with another. There must be a stronger voice for, at the very least, achieving the 5% target. The target figure should be 0%. There has not been enough emphasis on labour rights becoming part of trade agreements in a binding way. There is need for support within communities. I attended the Mary Robinson conference. There was a great voice from people who had come from the developing world. They know what to do and they know what they need. They need extra capacity. They need support on complex legal processes involving their land. This is something we can build in.

Wearing the hat of the Association of European Parliamentarians for Africa, AWEPA, we are starting joint monitoring teams and I hope this is something we can bring to the two countries with which we are starting. Deputy Crowe is involved with Tanzania and I will be in Mozambique. We will take with us the points that have been made here and it can be part of a real and meaningful discussion with the politicians we will meet from those two countries. I know some committee members are coming to the AWEPA conference at the end of the month. We can engage African parliamentarians when they are here and challenge some of their thinking.