Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I am not aware that Ireland has any hand, act or part in respect of funding of that nature. Our commitment is to human rights and peace building. Last year, we provided €100,000 for the protection of front line defenders in that area. We will also be associated with the good work done by SIPTU in this respect. I met a number of trade unionists from Colombia over the past number of years in respect of their concerns about human rights. That is the kind of work and advocacy that is taking place and that is the direction in which our money has been spent and will continue to be spent.

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