Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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136. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to a news report from the Bahrain News Agency published on 1 July 2013, which stated that a delegation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade met members of the Bahraini Government on the sidelines of the 23rd Gulf Cooperation Council-EU joint meeting and that the Irish delegation commended the Bahraini Government’s efforts to promote human rights; and if this report is accurate. [33375/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Deputy will be aware that I have on numerous occasions made clear my serious concerns regarding the overall human rights record in Bahrain and the need for positive actions on the part of the Bahraini government to improve the situation. I am aware of the news report in question regarding a meeting which took place on 30 June between the Secretary General of my Department and senior officials in the Bahraini Ministry of Human Rights. The Secretary General was in Bahrain as Head of the Irish Delegation attending the annual EU-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) ministerial meeting and availed of the opportunity to request this meeting in order to discuss human rights issues

The news report in question was incomplete and did not convey a full record of the discussions which took place. The Secretary General, drawing on the lessons of our own peace process for the situation in Bahrain, emphasised that respect for human rights was an essential element in conflict resolution. In this regard, he welcomed the intention of the Bahraini authorities to undertake a joint initiative on human rights training with another EU Member State and made clear Ireland’s willingness to extend any practical cooperation we could which might be considered of assistance. The Secretary General pointed to the damage caused to the image of Bahrain by the recent troubles and made clear that the release of certain prisoners, including the Irish-trained medical professionals, would have a positive impact on international opinion.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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137. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will investigate the military response to the peaceful protest of small farmers in north-eastern Colombia, where four persons have died, and further support the peace process in Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33376/13]

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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138. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make representations to the Colombian authorities and raise the matter at the UN Human Rights Council in relation to the military response to the peaceful protest of small farmers in north-eastern Colombia which has resulted in the deaths of four persons to date and hundreds wounded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33428/13]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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139. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will intervene and condemn the Colombian authorities for vicious oppression of the peasant protest movement in Catatumbo and demand the establishment of a negotiating forum to solve the crisis and to implement what is a legal and constitutional right of the peasant population and to ensure reparation for the families affected by the violent response of the state. [33450/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 to 139, inclusive, together.

I am aware of the tragic loss of four lives as a consequence of clashes between Colombia’s security forces and protestors in the north-eastern region of Catatumbo. At my request, officials are raising these events with the Colombian authorities and are also in touch with the European External Action Service. I welcome that representatives of an association of farmers from Catatumbo have accepted an invitation from Colombia’s President Santos to discuss issues of concern. In my view, it is important that all citizens who engage peacefully in the political and social developments of their society can do so without fear of risks to their personal security. I urge all parties in Colombia to address issues of insecurity so as to foster conditions for peace and sustainable development.

The promotion and protection of human rights is a core principle of Ireland’s foreign policy. Ireland engages with Colombia on human rights issues both in our contacts with Government and with civil society. When I met with President Santos earlier this year, I discussed with him concerns regarding the situation of human rights in Colombia, and Ireland’s concerns were also raised at the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review of Colombia last April. Together with our partners in the EU, Ireland will continue to support activities in Colombia that promote peace, truth, justice, reparation and reconciliation.