Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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We have had a valuable engagement on a fundamental topic under our remit. I am of a mind based on what I have heard today and previously during our hearings that it would be prudent to follow the template elsewhere. I am inclined to go with the suggestion that we seek to have the Government implement the Magnitsky sanctions in Ireland and utilise the opportunity of the EU Presidency to seek to achieve their implementation on an EU-wide basis. We should do the same as the US regarding the publication of names, the freezing of assets and the withdrawal of assets. I do not know whether we can do this now or whether legislation needs to be prepared. We probably need to do this as soon as possible in the context of utilising the final four months of our Presidency. It would be an important marker regarding where we stand on such fundamental human rights and it would be a courageous move by us. Perhaps we might consider extending the CAB legislation to include this. It seems tailor made for the implementation of these sanctions. We probably need to be advised on which is the best course to take in this regard.