Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

On the real benefit, let us say many people have arrived in Ireland from Kazakhstan. They may have been refused international protection or they may be here through other illegal means. In order to return them to Kazakhstan, we need a readmission agreement in place. It is much more beneficial to have a readmission agreement in place in order to facilitate that.

On the Senator's first point about opening a conversation, it may not be of great comfort to her but I want her to know that this is not just restricted in Ireland. I accept the Cathaoirleach has mentioned this. In every member state, access to the annexe has been restricted. The reason for this is that all we are doing is starting negotiations. It may be the case that, as the Senator has said, a decision is ultimately made not to go down the route of an agreement with Kazakhstan. One of the key indicators or factors that the Commission will take into account will be human rights protections. It is my understanding that the Commission will not enter into an agreement if it believes there are not sufficient human rights protections in place in the country to which people are to be readmitted. We will ultimately have our say. It may be the case that no agreement is reached. If no agreement is reached, there is no great loss in terms of what has occurred. If an agreement is reached, as a country, we will have a say as to whether it is agreed or not. It will then come back before the Houses of the Oireachtas for Members to have a say on the approval of the agreement.