Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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87. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will refuse to ratify the EU trade agreement with Colombia following the killings of 70 human rights defenders since 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40682/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and its Member States and the Republic of Colombia and the Republic of Peru, is an Agreement within the meaning of Article 29.5.2 of the Constitution. Ratification by Ireland is therefore subject to prior approval of Dáil Éireann. It is my intention to shortly seek the necessary approval so that Ireland is in a position to ratify the Agreement. So far, 17 EU Member States have ratified the Agreement.

Article 1 of the Agreement stipulates that respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights and for the rule of law is an essential element of the Agreement. During the negotiation of the Agreement, Ireland strongly promoted the inclusion of provisions to reflect this essential element.

The inclusion of a sustainable development chapter in the Agreement provides the EU with an important means to contribute to supporting positive social reforms and to the greater protection of human rights in Colombia. Furthermore, the setting up of a special committee, with representatives from Colombian civil society, to monitor implementation of the sustainability provisions demonstrates how the EU can develop real leverage for promoting its values and expectations through this agreement.

The elaboration by Colombia and Peru of roadmaps on human rights, labour rights and environmental protection in October 2012 clearly demonstrates how the Agreement can incentivise an agenda for change. Against this background, I believe the Agreement with Colombia will be instrumental in encouraging economic and social progress reinforced by arrangements that strengthen the voice and role of civil society in favour of the progressive development human and labour rights. This is also recognised by the European Parliament that last year voted to approve the Agreement.