Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We need dates, terms of reference and specific objectives within a timeframe. Let us look at what is happening in the light of the 2011 UN guiding principles, under a framework of protect, respect and remedy. Coal from the Cerrejón mines in north-east Colombia is still being used by the ESB despite well-documented human rights abuses associated with the operation of this mine. Airbnb Ireland UC allows tourism-related businesses based in Israeli settlements to use its platforms to advertise their services. Front Line Defenders, whom we all depend on, reported 401 killings of human rights defenders in 2022 compared with 358 in 2021. I could go on but I have only 12 seconds left.

On the importance of a plan, the Minister of State has given me no reason for the delay of four solid years or for a forum coming together with no terms of reference. He has given me assurance, and I trust his bona fides, that we will have a plan before the end of the year. However, he can forgive my frustration and anger about something as important as this.

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