Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

——the experience has been positive and the back-up staff have been courteous. Recently we were in London dealing with crime issues and anti-social behaviour and the way in which we were looked after by the staff at the Irish Embassy and by foreign affairs personnel was commendable. I appreciate that.

In 2002 I went as an international observer to Bogotá in Colombia for the trial of the Colombia Three. The Department of Foreign Affairs, the embassy staff based in Mexico, and the staff in Bogotá in Colombia strongly supported me and the families of the three men. People such as Sheila McGuire went out of their way to respect the integrity of the host countries. Unlike Jeffrey Donaldson when I was in that country I met the Government, military people, ministers, prisoners and human rights people. I had a broader view and I listened to all groups on this issue. People should realise there are major concerns about human rights issues and it is proper that we raise them.

The International Red Cross has been supportive in such situations by providing a great service and thus saving many lives. From my experience, having visited the Red Cross offices in Bogotá, I found that many of the organisation's members were at risk as they operated in delicate situations. However, they remained there permanently to support citizens locally in an impartial and independent manner. I have nothing but the highest respect for those Red Cross officials.

We should pay tribute to the men and women of the Irish Army who have served overseas on UN missions. I think in particular of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in laying down their lives in such situations. They did not do so for a particular cause but in the interests of peace and international relations. All Members of the House should recognise the valuable role the UN has played in this respect. Irish soldiers have served in the Middle East, for example, where local people have had a positive experience of those foreign missions given the impartiality and professional integrity displayed by our peacekeepers.

Irish emigrants to America have played a proud role in the history of that country. In recent times also we have seen the influence of people such as Mr. Niall O'Dowd and Senator Peter King who put their necks on the block for the peace process. They deserve our thanks and support because they helped to nurture and develop the peace process. When some Members of this House became wobbly and weak-kneed, those people stuck with the issue leading to the conclusion of a historic agreement on IRA weaponry in recent days. I welcome the statement by General John de Chastelain on disarmament and the peace process generally. I commend the two clergymen who were directly involved in acting as witnesses to the decommissioning process. They have done their bit for peace and harmony both here and internationally.

We should also pay tribute to those who had the courage to put their money where their mouths are by investing in this country. They have played a positive role in developments here.

In addition to praising the valuable work of Irish Americans, we should not be afraid to criticise when necessary. Good friends and relations can be openly critical of each other on particular issues, so if I disagree with President George W. Bush on his Iraqi policy, it does not mean I disagree with the vast majority of the American people, including Irish Americans. It is important to understand this distinction: one can disagree with governments but one can still work closely with individuals.

I wish to highlight the plight of illegal Irish immigrants in America and I urge the US authorities to deal with this unacceptable situation. Such immigrants want to make a contribution to that country, yet they are constantly under pressure because of their status as illegals. That unresolved issue is relevant to the legislation before the House.

With thousands of people coming to Ireland from other lands, we must recall our own history in order to support and understand such immigrants here. I am concerned that due to divisions in certain parts of the country over asylum seekers and refugees, such people are not being fully integrated into our society. We must be more inclusive but, while I accept we have a leadership role, it is not just up to politicians. It is up to members of residents' and community groups as well as trade unions to roll up their sleeves and ensure that immigrants can become part of an inclusive country that respects diversity.

Racism must be dealt with head on and cannot be tolerated in any circumstances. As regards our own peace process, the same goes for sectarianism which is unacceptable. It cannot be excused or explained away. Some communities may feel fearful and under threat, but one does not take it out on one's neighbour because he or she is Catholic or Protestant. Neither can one blame sectarianism for disadvantage and poverty. I know many poor people in disadvantaged parts of Dublin who, when it comes to race or religion, are the most inclusive and open-minded people that one could meet anywhere. We should not confuse such issues.

To revert to the Bill before us, section 1 states:

In this Act "Principal Act" means the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967.

Section 2 states:

Part VIII of the Principal Act is amended by substituting the following section for section 39:

"39.—In this Part—

'organisation to which this Part applies' means an international organisation, community or body standing designated for the time being by order under section 40 of this Act;

'Vienna Convention' means the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations done at Vienna on the 18th day of April 1961 as set out in the First Schedule of this Act.".

When I visited Colombia in 2002, I met a group of trade unionists, including three Coca Cola workers named Hector, Efrian and Javier. They were working in a difficult situation because staff including shop stewards, were being assassinated by right-wing death squads. They told me at that meeting, on 4 December 2002, that 3,800 people had been killed since 1986. In the preceding 12 months alone, 178 trade unionists had been killed. They told me all about the deaths of workers in the Coca Cola factories. They asked us to contact the American, Colombian and Irish Governments, as well as the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, on this issue. I gave a commitment at that meeting to bring this message to people's attention when I returned home. They also thanked us for having travelled to Colombia and expressed their deepest appreciation for our efforts. In discussing international relations, we must not sit on the fence. We should stand by those who have sought our assistance.

Granting of immunity to bodies in pursuit of Ireland's international obligations should be in accordance with best legislative practice. Comprehensively drafted legislation is an important requisite in this regard. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this wide-ranging debate on the Bill. As a small, independent country, we should focus on adopting an independent foreign policy by acting as international peace brokers. In that way, we will further develop the respect for our country that already exists at the UN and other international fora.

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