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

We had a meeting some time ago with the ambassadors of Central America countries. As far as I can remember, the ambassador of Belize was also in attendance, but that country is not included in the agreement. Some years ago, when it was being discussed, there was considerable concern among civil society organisations about the need to have binding mechanisms and monitoring systems in terms of the protection of human rights. Based on what the Minister of State has said, it appears that these concerns have been taken on board. However, there can be a huge difference between what is written on paper and the reality. Is the Minister of State assured that what he says about what is included in the agreement will prove beneficial in terms of the protection of human rights and the pressures on natural resources such as land and water because there is significant displacement in South American and Central American countries? He has said that when the agreement is fully enacted, the reduced costs of trade "should" have a beneficial impact on growth and job creation. How confident is he that they "will" have a beneficial impact? Significant work has been done and a paper prepared for consultation on business and human rights in Central America. It is vital that we be clear on what we mean in this regard. I am always struck by the fact that Ireland is an exporter of infant food when we know that support for and the encouragement of the breast-feeding of babies are more beneficial. There seems to be a contradiction in that regard. We also export whiskey, but I hope we are not exporting our alcohol problems with it and that it will not end up costing Central American countries what it is costing this country.

Are there plans to have a trade mission to Cuba or to develop more contacts with it?