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

Our guests have painted a very dismal picture. Despite this, however, we must acknowledge how the people of Colombia keep going in the face of threats, persecution, assassination, the undermining of their rights and the fact that their lives are continually in danger. The fact that Colombia is the seventh most unequal country in the world and the third most unequal in Latin America sums up everything we are discussing. Part of the reason for the inequality in Colombia is the way in which workers are treated. We are aware that people who engage in peaceful protests in Colombia can be murdered, assassinated, imprisoned, etc. That is frightening, appalling and sometimes difficult to believe. Our guests are trade union officials and if they were citizens of Colombia, three or four of them could be dead by now and the others might be in prison. What we are discussing is basic human and employment rights. I sent letters to the previous Colombian ambassador about all of the issues to which I refer and raised them again with his successor at last week's meeting. I also wrote to the former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in connection with them. The reply I received from him contained a commitment to the effect that Ireland would continue to support activities in Colombia that promoted peace, truth, justice, reparation and reconciliation and progressive improvement in human rights. I have no doubt that his successor will continue his work in that regard.

It is difficult to believe all we can do is delay matters. The free trade agreement is going to be signed. It is incredible that all of the abuses to which we refer are going to continue and that the agreement is not going to provide any guarantee to the effect that the lives of workers in Colombia will improve. How did we reach the point where all Ireland can do is delay the signing of the agreement? What has been happening elsewhere? When we discussed another matter with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, a couple of weeks ago, I stressed that human rights issues and decent working conditions must be up for discussion in all negotiations on trade agreements, particularly those relating to countries with a history of serious human rights abuses.

The peace talks are a separate issue and there cannot be a trade-off in this context to allow the peace treaty to be signed. Everyone wants peace, but it must be peace with justice. For the peace treaty to be signed, the trade-off cannot be that the free trade agreement will be signed also.

The companies involved all have bases in Europe and the United States. Although perhaps not directly involved, what is happening is leading to land grabs and displacements. Are the representatives involved in a naming and shaming exercise of these companies which seem to be acting with impunity?