Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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One of the most important points raised in the papers before us is that point 13 calls on the EU to prioritise consistently the issues of the rule of law, democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights in its political dialogue with Kazakhstan. The more we get involved and pursue that sort of programme through the EU, the greater the chances of getting the changes we are looking for. If we give the people the two fingers, they will walk away. As a small, independent country, Ireland can do an awful lot more by being inside the tent and trying to change people. The more we mix with business people in Kazakhstan and other places like it, the more chance we have of influencing. Everybody is very conscious of the need for changes to be made and it is recognised in the papers before us. We should ask the Minister to make certain that the EU keeps an eye on this. We are endorsing this on the basis that these changes should happen.