Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I also welcome the Minister of State to the House and thank Senator Fitzgerald for sharing her time so that I can speak. My party and I will support this motion. Ingrid Betancourt is an inspirational person for many people across the world, myself included. I have seen a documentary and read much about her. She is truly one of those people who is involved in politics for all the right reasons.

At the time she was kidnapped, she was attempting to liaise with FARC guerillas to find a solution to the strife and troubles affecting her country. She was acting in good faith for the lot of humanity. Her kidnap by FARC was a cold and callous act and does its cause no good. Her continued captivity is a cause for concern. I am worried about reports about her health and how she is being treated.

It is very depressing to see the impact it is having on her family. Her son and daughter give birthday greetings through the radio in the hope that she might be listening in the jungle. They recorded an announcement about the death of her father, the former ambassador to UNESCO, and played it on the radio in the hope that she might be made aware of her father's death. It is a terrible way to have to live.

Over the past six years as teenagers and now as young adults, her children have been without their mother. The impact on the family can only be imagined. That FARC continues to hold her in captivity does its cause no good. This motion can help to impress upon FARC that it needs to release her for the good of humanity and for peace.