Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are a number of issues in which we can become involved. Deputy Crowe is correct to talk about the importance of ensuring that Ireland plays its part. I am very pleased to record the work of the former Tánaiste and my ministerial predecessor, Eamon Gilmore, in his capacity as envoy with special responsibility. He was appointed by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs. His role is to provide political support to the ongoing peace negotiations. Part of the mandate of the team of officials I dispatched to Colombia in January of this year was to assess the extent to which there was an interest in learning more about the Irish experience. We continue to raise issues of human rights, including those referred to by the Deputy, and we also provide funding by way of financial aid towards peacekeeping projects in Colombia. Our officials met teams from the Government of Colombia and there was also involvement from the United Nations and other stakeholders across civil society. We will continue to prioritise this matter in the context of our broader support for the Colombian peace process.

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