Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide the maximum support to the evolving peace process in Colombia. [38201/12]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will work closely with The Parliamentary Friends of Columbia Group in the British House of Commons on developing a peace process in Colombia. [38355/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.

The agreement by the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to engage in official peace negotiations is a positive development that I warmly welcome. The launch next month of peace talks in Norway represents an important opportunity to bring an end to the long conflict that has caused much suffering in Colombia and to provide the people of that country with the peace and stability that they deserve.

We in Ireland understand very well the challenges, the opportunities and the imperative of peace building. We appreciate the responsibility that rests on the parties to these negotiations and wish them success in their important work. We also support the Governments of Cuba and Norway that are, on the request of both parties, acting as facilitators to this process. If invited, we are ready within available means to assist the parties to the talks and the facilitators, particularly as regards advice on the lessons learned from our own peace process.