Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 35% of Deputies and Senators in Colombia have been linked to right-wing death squads; and if he will raise this at both the EU and the UN levels. [37746/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Together with our European Union partners, Ireland is closely monitoring investigations by the Colombian Supreme Court into the alleged association of members of Congress and Government officials with paramilitary groups in Colombia. Any association between elected representatives or officials and paramilitary groups is a matter of serious concern in itself, and also has the capacity further to destabilise the Colombian peace process.

I am gravely concerned by the revelations emerging as a result of these investigations. However, it is important that the Supreme Court investigations continue so that further information and evidence can be uncovered. We respect the fact that the due process of law is being applied. We are also monitoring the proposed constitutional amendments relating to the Supreme Court's investigation and their potential impact on the investigation. In conjunction with our European Union partners, we will continue to examine how we may, as appropriate, contribute to the peace process in Colombia.