Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his remarks on the motion and explaining the Government's position on the matter. Fianna Fáil supports the motion and approves the terms of the enhanced partnership and co-operation agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Kazakhstan. As a party, we recognise the need to enhance engagement and build partnerships with central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan, central Asia's largest economy, is an upper middle income country which is aiming to join the world's 30 most developed countries by 2050. It acquired WTO membership in 2015 and the agreement will further strengthen its integration in global trade and the global economy. Its rapid economic growth, coupled with reforms in areas such as education and health, have paved the way for notable improvements in the social position, advancing the country to the high human development level. Kazakhs now enjoy a healthier and longer life, with less poverty and inequality. Kazakhstan's human development index, HDI, value for 2017 was 0.800, which puts the country in the very high human development category, positioning it at 58 out of 189 countries and territories. Between 1990 and 2017, its HDI value increased from 0.690 to 0.800, an increase of 16%. In the same period life expectancy at birth increased by 3.2 years, mean years of schooling increased by 3.7 years and expected years of schooling by 2.7 years. Kazakhstan's GNI per capitaincreased by approximately 64.7% between 1990 and 2017.

Kazakhstan has increasingly integrated into the world trading system. For the European Union, Kazakhstan is important both in its own right as the largest and wealthiest country in the strategic central Asian region and also as a transit country on trade routes between Asia and Europe.

In addition, Kazakhstan is increasingly becoming an important player on the world stage. It is a member of the European security council for 2017 and 2018 and has acted as a mediator in hosting Syrian peace talks.

I welcome the economic and social changes taking place in Kazakhstan, but I am mindful of its poor human rights record. Fianna Fáil believes enhanced partnership and co-operation between the European Union and Kazakhstan must be achieved in tandem with efforts to improve democracy and human rights. Economic interests cannot be advanced to the detriment of all else and it is essential that human rights are given the same degree of importance. The European Union must carefully monitor this agreement to ensure actions will follow words and that commitments made in it to co-operate with civil society, as well as to respect human rights and the rule of law, will be upheld. Kazakhstan has problems related to the torture and rights of detainees. There is a broad prohibition on the right to strike, while women continue to face distinct economic hardship and employment discrimination. There is a lack of female representation in public life and decision-making bodies, in spite of a 30% quota being legally required in political institutions. NGO registration is compulsory and authorities enjoy wide discretion to close down groups for apparent violations of law. It is incumbent, therefore, on the European Parliament to monitor developments in Kazakhstan to ensure progress will be made not only on the economic front but also in the area of democracy and human rights. While supporting the agreement Ireland should not be silent when it comes to concerns about human rights. It must use its influence at EU level to advocate for the strengthening of human rights and civil society in Kazakhstan. Fianna Fáil will support the motion, but I hope the Minister of State will take on board the comments I have made.

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