Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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I thank Mr. Wrafter for the report.

From being a member of this committee and heading the Irish section of the Association of European Parliamentarians with Africa, AWEPA, in which role I have visited a number of African countries, there is no doubt that Ireland is held in high regard. Sometimes we do not capitalise enough on this. It has come from a variety of sources, including the Department, the NGOs which are doing amazing work, missionaries who forged the trail initially and our ambassadors. Certainly, our ambassadors to Lesotho and Nigeria whom I met are very much hands on and actively involved in what is going on. They have greatly enhanced Ireland's reputation.

I support what Deputy Brendan Smith stated about human rights being at the centre. I also welcome what Mr. Wrafter stated, that development and human rights go together. I refer to one right, in particular, the right to decent work. During the centuries we have seen historical patterns of exploitation of workers, for example in Africa, in the growth of certain industries, including those involved in extraction, but there are others. There will be massive growth in agricultural production, etc. We can use our position because we are represented in these countries and they listen to us. We can put the right to decent work, labour conditions, pay, health and safety on the agenda. In that regard, I want to see Ireland playing a bigger role. I am always struck by the disconnect between what is written on paper about rights and the abuse of these rights. We can be a strong voice in that regard.

I mention Colombia, in particular. Looking at our policies, we want to defend civil society space. We defended a resolution on reprisals against human rights activists, yet there are significant abuses of those involved in civil society in Colombia, particularly trade unionists and farmers. Only today we received word about another murder, the murder of Mr. César Garcia, an environmental activist and farmer who was murdered in front of his children. That crime will go unpunished. There was also a report about a particular community which had been displaced. Under the Santos Administration, they were allowed to return, but they have since been displaced again. Another trade unionist, Mr. Huber Ballesteros, is in jail for doing what we in western society do all the time - speak outing and making our voices heard. Any trade agreement must include a clause on guaranteeing respect for human rights.

On the gender issue, the matter of child brides is still significant. It amounts to gross exploitation. Children have been taken forcibly from families. Does this form part of the gender debate in which the Department is involved?

We have spoken about the situation in Syria. I am merely asking whether Ireland will support the idea of humanitarian corridors respected by both sides in order that humanitarian aid can get to where it is most needed.