Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I hesitate to intervene but I understand Mr. Archila Peñalosa has been called away and I acknowledge his presence. I wish him well in his efforts to ensure national dialogue. In doing so, however, I wish to acknowledge recent very serious reports of an escalation of violence. I echo what Deputy Brady said earlier about disturbing reports of the disproportionate use of force. We acknowledge Mr. Archila Peñalosa's good work and his attempt to bring the parties together. I want to say to the ambassador in the presence of Mr. Archila Peñalosa that the reports furnished by her to the committee are regular and most useful and informative.

I acknowledge the work of our ambassador in Bogota, Alison Milton. This is a fairly new posting on the part of Ireland in Latin America. It also symbolises the Colombian peace process as a priority for us and our willingness to help and assist in any way we can. In recent times, I have to say we are most concerned at the disturbing reports of acts of violence. I thank Mr. Archila Peñalosa for being with us and for dealing with some of Deputy Brady's issues. Perhaps we may have an opportunity to return to him later in the summer.