John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I support what has been said in very strong and caring terms in connection with the case of Ms Betancourt. FARC has caused much suffering and mayhem. It is ostensibly a left-wing group, but in reality is more like a criminal group. The actions taken against FARC have sometimes been hampered by the lack of co-operation between neighbouring countries in South America. They should seriously consider how they manage the fight against terrorism. I think particularly of a recent response by the Colombians that drew a threat of war from the Venezuelan President. Co-operation is needed in particular when dealing with a group such as FARC.

We have an interest in every case, but a particular interest in Ms Betancourt's situation because she is a member of the European Union. She is a brave lady who went to an area to which she was specifically asked not to travel. In the interests of spreading the message of democracy she went there and was, unfortunately, captured. She has been treated in a dreadful manner and is in a distressing state. She has a family and her father died while she was in captivity. How does one deal with people who have links with other terrorist groups and crime? On the other side one deals with democratic nations that make unreasonable demands. It is a particularly difficult situation, like all other situations where we speak for the rights of the individual.

We will continue to make progress and I commend the Minister for his efforts in this area in ensuring the voice of the Irish people, who have a tradition of supporting the less fortunate or those in a situation like Ms Betancourt's, and seeking to ensure that their voice is heard. As a parliamentarian Ms Betancourt stands for all of us. A member of the Colombian Government, she was also a presidential candidate. The Green Party will have a particular interest in that Ms Betancourt was the head of the green movement in Colombia. In every aspect it strikes a chord with the Irish.

I ask that we continue our efforts despite the manner in which the captivity has been conducted and that all efforts will be made. It is very difficult when people ask for the release of prisoners who have been found guilty by due process. There was no due process in the kidnapping of Ms Betancourt. Even for those who have done such a thing we would always seek due process when their turn comes. It is no harm to remind them that the day will come when they will face the judge.

For humanity, democracy and all that is right about human rights I share in the calls for the immediate, unconditional release of Ms Betancourt. I am not certain how an envoy or some manner of co-operation could be supported to find come common ground so that Ms Betancourt could be released. However, it could not be on the basis of people who were tried and found guilty in a court of law being released so that an innocent person could be freed.