Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

I am for trade but not for trade's sake. I am for trade that is linked to real sustainable economic development with human rights playing an important part. It is a fact that authoritarian regimes use international relationships to bolster themselves, internally and internationally. I am not opposed to double taxation agreements in principle, not even, necessarily, with countries that have authoritarian regimes. I do not think it is a question of principle. Has the Department or Minister conducted concrete analysis on this matter? Is the Minister of State open to having a discussion on human rights?