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

I wish to focus on some areas in particular. The Minister mentioned the EU and the ACP. There have been serious issues in Colombia involving the murder of three human rights activists, the death of a peasant farmer and displacement of the farming community. We have signed this agreement with Colombia and part of the reason for doing so was that it would strengthen the position regarding human rights issues. However, these events have happened and we do see human rights issues being taken up. We heard about the supposedly robust mechanisms throughout the free trade agreement, FTA, but be do not see them. There is also the issue regarding Senator Iván Cepeda, whom we met. Perhaps the Minister would comment on those issues. I brought this to the attention of the Latin American desk so I am also raising it again today.

That leads to migration, which the Minister mentioned. Last week, we discussed the economic partnership agreements, EPAs. Undoubtedly, there are concerns about the EPA with west Africa. That could also lead to more migration because we are denying certain areas in west Africa of the ability to feed themselves. Will the Minister comment on that?

I have two further questions and I will be brief. On the Middle East peace process, it was brought to my attention that there was an Israeli raid on Aida camp in Bethlehem, at the Lajee Centre, a community and youth centre which I have visited twice. There is a group there, Alrowwad, a theatre and cultural group, whose members visited us in the Dáil about a year ago to talk to us about their culture and to give us a demonstration of their dabke dancing. How can the Israeli army firing tear gas in a youth and community centre contribute to a peace process? I ask the Minister to comment on that.

The Dáil has been discussing the Stormont House Agreement today. There is no doubt that there are unresolved issues. We visited Maghaberry Prison last week. There is no movement on resolving the prisoner issues. Regarding the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, there is a need for the British Government to define national security. We know there was collusion and it will be embarrassing for that government, but surely that is not a matter of national security. When will we demand full and open disclosure, instead of just saying the words? The families are tired of the same answer. The Minister says what he is doing but it is not leading to action on the part of the British Government.