Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 111: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has conveyed to the Ambassador of the Russian Federation or otherwise communicated to the Russian Government his position on the law introduced by the St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly recently which has curtailed basic freedom of speech and expression and impinged on the liberties of gay, lesbian and transgender Russian citizens; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that convictions for spreading homosexual propaganda to minors have already taken place under the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25344/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I understand the legislation referred to by the Deputy has passed into law in the Saint Petersburg region. While this type of legislation purports to protect young people, it is more likely, in my view, to result in further stigmatisation, and even criminalisation, of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) young people. In fact, I am aware of reports that an individual has recently been convicted under this legislation and understand that he intends to appeal the verdict. A senior official in my Department was in contact with the Russian Embassy to express concern at this legislation when it was introduced last year. In addition, the European Union, with Irish support, raised this matter with the Russian authorities at an EU-Russia human rights dialogue held in Moscow last December.

Earlier this year, the EU communicated, formally, its concerns to the Russian Federation authorities about the legislation and Ireland has again been supportive of these efforts.

Just last week in a dialogue on human rights with the Duma of the Russian Federation the EU again underlined its concerns on this issue.

This Government is strongly committed to combating discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity and considers that discriminatory legal or administrative provisions which curtail the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are not acceptable.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 112: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that thirteen human rights defenders have been killed over the past three months in Colombia; if he will lobby at EU level for the condemnation of the on-going killings and disappearances; his views on whether the EU, through Catherine Ashton, should urge the Colombian Government to guarantee protection for activists and respect for social movements that are calling for peace [25351/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I am concerned at any reports of violence against human rights defenders in Colombia. I would fully expect the Colombian government, no less than any other government, to protect its citizens from attack. Human rights defenders and trade union representatives can be particularly vulnerable in this regard and additional vigilance is required in preserving their safety. The Deputy will be aware of the EU policy of dialogue with the government of Colombia. This offers the best way to support democracy and further the objectives of the Santos administration with regard to improving human rights and moving forward the peace process.

High Representative Ashton has voiced on many occasions the EU's support for the Colombian government's effort to improve security and to drive forward the peace process in a country which is emerging from decades of civil war.

As I have outlined on many occasions in the House, Ireland actively supports this policy of dialogue and engagement. I underlined Ireland's concerns over human rights, in particular at the alleged harassment of human rights defenders and trade union activists, when I met the vice-president of Colombia during his visit to Ireland in January 2012.

Together with our partners in the European Union, Ireland will continue to support these efforts and to monitor the situation through our embassy in Mexico City.