Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of Civil Engagement Group I welcome our colleagues from the European Parliament to the Chamber. This meeting is a really good initiative and is one of many needed to bring decision-making at an EU level closer to the people.

I would like to discuss the proposed EU corporate sustainability due diligence directive. The proposal greatly complements my emissions reporting Bill. Due diligence in respect of human rights and the environment along supply chains urgently requires a legislative footing but the proposed law would not apply to 99% of businesses that operate in the EU. Furthermore, the law contains dangerous loopholes such as only covering established business relationships. One major aspect that needs fixing is access to justice for affected communities. All communities who have suffered human rights violations need to be able to access an effective remedy without encountering significant financial barriers. I would appreciate hearing the opinions of the MEPs on this matter.

The second issue is the EU's migration policy. Over the previous years we have seen a hardening of borders and the creation of what many term as "fortress Europe". One of the most startling accounts of these policies can be found in a book that I read recently which is called My Fourth Time, We Drownedby Sally Hayden. I recommend that everyone reads the book if they have not already done so. The book details the human impact of the EU-Libyan migration deal. For context, over 82,000 people who sought refuge in Europe have been forcibly returned since the deal was signed. The men, women and children who are forcibly returned to Libya face arbitrary detention, torture, cruel and inhumane detention conditions, rape and sexual violence, extortion, forced labour and unlawful killings. Instead of addressing this human rights crisis the Libyan Government of National Unity, GNU, continues to facilitate further abuses and protect those using their power to abuse refugees and violate their human rights. We, as Europeans, bear a responsibility for what is happening there. This action is being done in our name yet we talk about the ideals of peace, justice and human rights underlying the European project in which we engage, which is gross hypocrisy. I would appreciate if the MEPs address how they engage on this issue in their work.