Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree that these discussions are historic. We will pay close attention to what takes place in the discussions in Oslo. I have asked our ambassador accredited to Colombia to continue to raise these issues with the Colombian authorities and to report to me on his observations, conclusions and whatever responses he receives.

In so far as the human rights situation is concerned in Colombia and the difficulties faced by trade unionists and human rights defenders, these are a priority for our discussions with Colombia and the European Union's discussions with Colombia.

On the free trade agreement, there are those who ask if there should be free trade agreements with countries with human rights issues but the existence of free trade agreements strengthens the position of the European Union to engage on human rights issues. Indeed, there are specific human rights clauses built into the free trade agreements and as far as Ireland is concerned they must be implemented and honoured.

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