Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 131: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will support the campaign to suspend the trade agreement with Colombia in view of the treatment of trade union activists there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10037/10]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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EU relations with Colombia are conducted in the framework of regional relations between the EU and the Andean Community, comprising Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. In 2007, negotiations aimed at concluding a comprehensive Association Agreement between the EU and the Andean Community were formally launched. Such Agreements cover all facets of relations between the EU and these countries, including political dialogue, economic cooperation and trade. However, as not all member states of the Andean Community were in a position to proceed with free trade negotiations, the decision was taken to commence negotiations on a multiparty Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and two member states of the Andean Community – Colombia and Peru - within the overall framework of the Association Agreement.

The European Union has competence in trade negotiations. So these were carried out by the European Commission on the basis of a mandate from the Council. The Commission announced on 1 March that trade talks with Peru and Colombia have concluded, reaching an agreement on the key elements of a trade arrangement. This will inaugurate a new framework of bilateral trade and investment relations between the European Union and the signatory Andean countries.

Colombia, however, faces many challenges. It has experienced the longest period of terrorist violence of any country in Latin America. There is no single solution for promoting peace in Colombia; the various social and economic elements underlying the conflict have to be tackled simultaneously. Our approach and that of the European Union is to assist and influence the Colombian Government in a manner that results in economic and social development while progressively improving human rights standards. The conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Colombia will contribute significantly to the social and economic development of Colombia, which is imperative if it is to emerge from its violent past.

I wish to assure the Deputy that there is no question of strengthening economic ties with Colombia at the expense of human rights. I am of the view that the FTA process with Colombia at this time offers the best opportunity to ensure that the concerns of EU Member States at the human rights situation in that country and, in particular, the treatment of trade union activists are fully addressed by the Colombian government.

I and my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs have taken a number of steps in addressing human rights issues directly with the Government of Colombia and together with the European Union. My officials have raised our concerns in various meetings of the Trade Policy Committee to highlight our deep interest in addressing the human rights situation in Colombia as part of the negotiations with Colombia. Ireland has insisted on the inclusion of a clause committing both the EU Member States and Colombia to the implementation of their human rights responsibilities with the proviso that failure to do would result in the suspension of the Agreement.

I can assure you that the Government will continue to closely follow the human rights situation in Colombia and take the steps we consider necessary bilaterally as well as in cooperation with our EU partners.