Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent peace talks between the FARC and the Colombian Government; and if in view of the Irish experience in conflict resolution processes, if any support, public or private will be given, to help develop or enhance these discussions. [44810/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The agreement reached by the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) during exploratory talks in Havana earlier this year to engage in official peace negotiations is a positive development that I warmly welcome. The opening this month of the peace talks in Oslo 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.