Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I thank Deputy Mac Lochlainn for his complimentary remarks about my appointment. We engage with Trócaire and last year over 50% of the aid was given to Trócaire, which is active in respect of human rights, advocacy and humanitarian provision. The trade agreement to which the Deputy refers is a multi-party trade agreement with the European Union. This is the best way of moving forward so that all the countries in Europe are together in dialogue with Colombia. The trade agreement was essentially negotiated by the European Commission. There is some dispute on the question of mixed competences, whether this is an exclusive agreement with the EU or whether the 27 member states must also grant approval. While the agreement has been initialled, it has not been approved. In any case, it must receive the approval of the European Parliament, which has not been granted at this time. The agreement cannot be ratified until the approval takes place. The concerns voiced by Trócaire remain to be dealt with.

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