John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Dodwell and Mr. Finn for their insightful opening statement. It is much appreciated. I was part of the delegation that Justice for Colombia organised in May 2022. It was an insightful experience, particularly as the timing of the delegation's travel coincided with the first round of the presidential elections in Colombia. We were able to get a bird's eye view of the entire process. We got to see how security was provided and the electoral process was overseen. It was fascinating to see inside one of the largest polling stations in Bogota, to say the least. Given all the concerns expressed at the time regarding allegations of fraud and security issues, it was great to get those insights. It was also great to see the hope that many people had concerning the election. It transpired that Gustavo Petro won the second round and became the new President of Colombia.

The overall experience of the delegation was fascinating and very useful. We met human rights activists, trade unionists and people in Putumayo, where a massacre had been carried out by the military some months previously. We got to speak to many of the family members, survivors and people who had been seriously injured. It was insightful to see the attempts that were made to cover up that massacre and how this all fitted into the policy of the false positives that we had, unfortunately, seen existing for many years. I would like to try to get an understanding of how things have changed for the better, albeit only 100-odd days after the new government has been in place in Colombia. It would be good to learn what kind of inroads have been made. I know some new key ministers have been appointed. Some respectable and reputable people have taken these posts, including Gloria Inés Ramírez, a women's rights activist, who has taken over as the new Minister of Labour, and the new high commissioner for peace. I would like to get a little insight into what new legislation is being considered. Does Mr. Dodwell or Mr. Finn have any information on the legislative work done so far?

Returning to the massacre at Putumayo, I made a commitment to the families and survivors to raise this matter at every opportunity I got. Are there any updates on the investigation? Shortly after the massacre, then President Duque congratulated the army and stood over the military operation before any investigation had been carried out. I would like to know if there are any further insights or updates concerning the massacre.

The total peace policy is instrumental and key. I welcome some of the most recent progress made in restarting the faltered peace talks with the ELN. I ask Mr. Dodwell or Mr. Finn for a little more insight in this regard. Mr. Dodwell said ten other armed groups have announced ceasefires to date. Perhaps he might give a little background concerning the international backers, the pen holders, involved in those processes. What international support is there for them? How crucial is international support in ensuring the momentum behind this process does not falter as it did following the 2016 process? What role can Ireland play in this process, especially given that we have a seat on the UN Security Council, even only for a short time? What can Ireland and the Government do to support the transition to a new peaceful era in Colombia? What can we do to support the peace process?

I will make a final point. I hope this committee will send a delegation to Colombia in the near future. That would be really useful. Some committee members such as Deputy Gannon and I have been very vocal on the abuses and violations going on at the Cerrejón mine, and on the fact that Ireland is importing coal again from that particular mine. Can Mr. Dodwell recommend any useful organisations, groups or meetings that this committee or a delegation from this committee might find useful in our travels to Colombia? I think that is it for now, although I might have some supplementary questions later if we have time.