Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of my colleagues in Sinn Féin, I support the amendment proposed by the Civil Engagement group. Sinn Féin has raised its concerns about this Bill at every Stage. We support the Bill but we believe what is proposed in the amendment would make it better. The amendment places a duty on the Minister to report to the Dáil on our social and environmental obligations as members of the bank. Sinn Féin mentioned on Second Stage that the wording in the agreement on these issues, while fine is pretty meaningless. It should be remembered that ultimately, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a Chinese bank. It is well known that China's record on human rights is not good. It is only right that we would use what little accountability we have over this bank. I am specifically concerned about investments that might be made above the rights of nations within states, for example. I trust the wording of this amendment, which covers human rights in a global way, covers that issue and I ask the Minister to support it.