Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I join other members in wishing you well in your new role as EU Special Representative for Human Rights and also to compliment you on your work as special envoy for the peace process in Colombia. It is evident from your contribution and your presentation to us here today the very active role you have played. I wish you well in the ongoing work in the whole area of human rights. In this committee room and the House generally we can often be critical of the European Union and that is understandable. However, it is heartening to note that the European Union is putting substantial funding into supporting rural development in Colombia.I think €90 million has been committed to the EU Trust Fund and also the European Investment Bank has a loan facility up to €400 million for financing.

That is very important as well. At times we need to note the interest the European Union takes in other countries. Your appointment by the High Commissioner was clear evidence of the European Union’s interest in continuing to support the peace process and see it implemented.

I want to thank you sincerely for your presentation here this morning and your very comprehensive replies to the issues raised by my colleagues. We look forward to having you before us in your new role as special representative for human rights. Thank you very much.