Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the agreement. I do not want to go over the same ground as other members.

This is a new development in so far as Ireland is concerned. While we are right to be part and parcel of it, we are dealing with a country with a large population and with considerable potential in the future. I would echo Deputy Smith's view on the share of that trade that Ireland can garner for itself as part of the European Union in the future. It is most important that we keep that in mind as we enter into trading agreements under the umbrella of the European Union. The EU as a whole might be in a better position to avail of the trading opportunities but we also have a possibilities in this respect, particularly for the dairy sector and the agricultural sector generally.

What I hope is not taking place is something that has arisen repeatedly in such circumstances, namely aid for trade. We do not practice that in this country but some of the other countries that will be trading with Vietnam do. It could be a feature that would develop in the future to our disadvantage as a trading nation. I would like that to be borne in mind with a view to minimising it as much as possible.

With regard to human rights and potential human rights abuses, what is considered a human rights abuse to some countries is not so considered to another for reasons such as their respective histories. The issue of human rights and failure to recognise best international practice in terms of human rights should also be borne in mind with a view to ensuring when we enter into a trade agreement through the European Union with another trading partner that it observes good practice in accordance with international human rights standards and that it be seen as being a requirement, not merely something to pass over momentarily but an integral part of an agreement.