Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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It is important that the European Union engage in trade agreements and processes with countries in Africa not only to create advantageous trade for the Union but also to give African countries an opportunity to access European markets. It is also very important that any trade agreement with which the European Union is involved ensure human rights are respected within the countries with which member states are trading. The European Union has reduced aid to some west African countries owing to their regressive policies towards gay people. Gambia has changed the penalty from 14 years to life imprisonment for people who are gay.

It is important we look to ensure this trade agreement contains the infrastructure to ensure that human rights are respected among the countries with whom we trade. I would like to see further information on this and a political message from this committee with regard to that. I would also like to see this discussed on the floor of the Dáil as well tomorrow.

As a result of the decision by this committee, the EU free trade agreement with Colombia and Peru will be discussed on the floor of the Dáil, which is a very positive achievement for this committee. I look forward to a good, wholesome debate with the Minister on it tomorrow followed by a vote. It would be wrong for this to progress in any other way.