Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Deputies who made a contribution. Many genuine concerns were expressed and we all understand the nature of those concerns. I repeat that we must recall that Kazakhstan is still a relatively young country, gaining its independence in 1991. It is on a reform path but, as we all know, it takes time to build a democratic society. The agreement provides for a broad framework to reinforce political dialogue, providing EU member states with a range of tools for influencing reform, including institutional links that allow for regular discussions.

The agreement updates and augments the existing partnership and co-operation agreement agreed in 1996. It will contribute to modernising the commercial environment in Kazakhstan and increase the ease of doing business for Irish and European firms.

Kazakhstan is a key regional partner for the EU in Central Asia. With the development of a new central Asia strategy next year and the belt and road initiative, the region will only increase in importance over the next decade. I ask Deputies to take note of that.

Kazakhstan works well to engage constructively on a multilateral basis. It works with the OSCE, the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, and the Council of Europe in its legislative reform. We must also note that Kazakhstan sought the opinion of the Venice Commission on several occasions, including most recently on its administrative procedure and justice code.

This agreement covers 29 sectoral areas, among them civil co-operation, co-operation in education, which is extremely important, as the Deputies opposite know, culture, research and innovation. The scope for engagement at all levels provides an ideal platform for Ireland and the EU to encourage change in Kazakhstan.

The EU continues to support Kazakhstan in its efforts to reform. More than 350 projects amounting to €180 million have been funded by the EU, with a particular focus on strengthening the capacity of regional and local government, supporting reform of the justice sector and improving the capacity of the public sector to introduce social and economic reforms.

Some Deputies opposite may believe that delaying ratification of these agreements until such time that progress is made on human rights is the sensible approach to take. They are entitled to make that argument but I argue that this would go against the very essence of what the EU stands for in promoting change through dialogue and engagement. All of us know how important dialogue and engagement was in our country.

Let us not forget that respect for democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms is an essential part of this agreement. If any party is in breach of its obligations on respect for human rights, appropriate measures can be taken in response, up to and including termination of the agreement.

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