Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Vice Chair and members for giving me the opportunity to discuss the motion referred to the select committee for consideration. The motion Dáil Éireann has been asked to approve reads:

That Dáil Éireann approves the terms of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Kazakhstan, of the other part, signed at Astana on 21 December 2015, a copy of which was laid before the Dáil on 6 July 2018.

This agreement is the first of a new generation of co-operation agreements between the European Union and the former Soviet states of central Asia. It is intended to provide a framework for strengthening the bilateral relationship between the EU and Kazakhstan. In addition to facilitating stronger economic relations, the agreement aims to enhance political dialogue and to promote peace and stability. At its core is a commitment to strengthen the promotion, protection and implementation of fundamental freedoms, human rights, and the respect for democratic principles, the rule of law, and good governance.

The agreement provides for a comprehensive dialogue between the EU and Kazakhstan and co-operation in a wide range of areas, such as trade, justice, economic and financial co-operation, energy, environment and climate change, culture, education, and research. It also provides for the provisional application of certain aspects that fall under EU competence until such time as all EU member states ratify the agreement and those aspects come into force. The agreement has been applied provisionally since 1 April 2016, mainly in the area of trade and economic co-operation.

Since gaining independence, Kazakhstan has become an increasingly important partner in the promotion of peace and security, regionally and internationally. It is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and previously served on the UN Human Rights Council from 2012 to 2015. Ireland has worked well with Kazakhstan at a multilateral level. When Kazakhstan was the Chair-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, in 2010, Ireland served as the Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation. Kazakhstan continues to play a prominent role in the OSCE as the chair of the economic and environmental dimension.

Ireland formally recognised Kazakhstan as an independent State in 1991, following which diplomatic relations were established. Our embassy in Moscow is accredited on a secondary basis. Although we do not have a large footprint in central Asia, several Irish companies have an established presence in Kazakhstan. Bilateral trade consists mainly of Irish exports to Kazakhstan. In 2017, our total exports amounted to €34 million and total imports, €450,000. A double taxation agreement between Ireland and Kazakhstan entered into force in December 2017. This will allow Ireland to develop greater opportunities for trade and investment with Kazakhstan, including in the education and agricultural sectors.

It is important to acknowledge concerns about the challenging human rights environment in Kazakhstan. Together with the EU, Ireland continues to encourage reform within Kazakhstan, particularly in the areas of rule of law, freedom of expression or belief, and human rights. The EU and Kazakhstan have an annual dialogue in the area of human rights and this agreement provides for further engagement in this important area. Encouraging steps have been taken by Kazakhstan, including on reform of the penal system and greater participation of civil society in policy decision-making. The agreement we are discussing specifically provides for co-operation regarding civil society in order to allow for more engagement between the EU and Kazakhstan in this area and encourage the active participation of civil society in the areas of economic, social, and political co-operation.

I thank the committee for the opportunity to present this motion. This agreement will not only broaden and deepen the EU’s relationship with Kazakhstan and provide for closer economic and political ties, but will also provide the framework for further constructive dialogue on human rights. I hope the committee will support the motion and that Dáil Éireann will approve the terms of this agreement in order that Ireland may proceed to ratification in the near future. I am happy to take questions.