Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The trade agreement between the EU and Colombia contains robust human rights provisions which permit unilateral and immediate suspension in the case of grave human rights violations. Ireland and the European Parliament played a significant role in encouraging strong measures in this regard. The agreement includes a number of binding commitments to implement core labour and environmental conventions. Human rights provisions have been elaborated further in roadmaps dealing with human, labour and environmental rights provided by Peru and Colombia at the request of the European Parliament. We have included these provisions, established oversight committees and we have committees engaging with civil society. We also have the right to withdraw if this does not leverage the type of change Europe seeks to achieve. This agreement provides commitments to deliver and leverage in the event it does not. The alternative outlined by the Deputy of not ratifying it and blocking all interaction does not offer the prospect for which he hopes.

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