Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach agreed to hold a full debate on this matter, as did the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Sean Sherlock, when they appeared before the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade. Despite this, Deputies have been given only 20 minutes to discuss economic partnership agreements which will affect millions of lives in the least developed countries. The EPAs also have significant implications for our policy on overseas development aid.

The economic partnership agreements have been presented as a progressive and positive development, yet a letter from west African farmers and a report in a policy paper from the confederation representing non-governmental organisations across Europe highlight that, rather than lifting people out of poverty, the EPAs will plunge them deeper into poverty, will have an impact on local markets and will affect the long-term food security of the populations of the poorest countries.

If the purpose of the development aid programme is to eradicate hunger and reduce poverty, surely the appropriate approach would be to reduce the dependence of African people on Europe and support them in feeding themselves. No country should have to implement a trade agreement if enforcing the obligations provided for in the agreement will undermine its agricultural production. If Article 34 of the EPAs is vigorously implemented, the west African agri-food sector will be devastated.

The knowledge that these agreements will be passed makes it even more vital that we provide for active oversight as well as effective monitoring safeguards and sustainability impact assessments. Some of the African Ministers have criticised the lack of effectiveness of EPA safeguards.

We were informed that the economic partnership agreement with Colombia would ensure protection for farmers and workers' rights. Last week, the arrival of a heavy contingent of troops in a marginalised area of south-west Colombia resulted in the displacement of 80 families, the occupation of schools and community buildings and the death of one peasant farmer, with many more wounded. Three prominent human rights defenders were murdered the previous week. The trade agreement with Columbia did not protect the rights of workers and peasant farmers in that country. How can we ensure the same will not be the case in respect of the economic partnership agreements with African countries?

Our statements that we are committed to fair and ethical trade must translate into action. Ireland gives millions of euro in development aid and I agree with the goal of spending 0.7% of gross national income on development aid. How can we give aid with one hand while undermining with the other hand the ability of African countries to look after themselves and feed their populations? The EPAs do not recognise the realities in vulnerable regions such as west Africa. It has been argued that these agreements could also destroy the tax bases of African countries, leaving them more dependent on foreign aid.

It should be noted that in the previous Dáil, the President, former Deputy Michael D. Higgins, was the most vocal opponent of economic partnership agreements.

See this speech in context