Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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95. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any discussions at multilateral or bilateral levels in relation to the imprisonment of Huber Balesteros and the recent murder of Caesar Garcia in Colombia; the actions he has taken to address the staggering levels of political violence in Colombia, directed in particular against trade unionists; the way in which he can recommend that these Houses ratify an EU trade agreement which has been shown to lack the mechanisms required to enforce its human rights clauses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48868/13]

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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101. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent negative developments in Colombia, with increased attacks on civil society organisers; and if he shares the widespread concern that they will impact negatively on the peace talks being held in Havana, Cuba. [48959/13]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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111. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will contact the Colombian authorities as a matter of urgency and demand an independent and rigorous investigation into the assassination of Cesar Garcia, a farmer and environmental activist opposed to the La Colosa gold mining project and demand that the safety and security of community activists who oppose this project is guaranteed. [48802/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 95, 101 and 111 together.

I am aware of the arrest of Huber Ballesteros in August and of the recent killing of Cesar Garcia. I have asked my officials to follow closely developments in the judicial proceedings involving Mr Ballesteros, as well as the investigation into the killing of Mr Garcia.

When I met earlier this year with President Santos of Colombia, I raised human rights in Colombia, including my concerns regarding the situation of trade unionists. Ireland’s views were also raised at the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review of Colombia last April.

Ireland, and the European Union, is following closely the situation of a number of trade union officials, including Mr Ballesteros. Respect for human rights, including the freedom of expression and of assembly, remain at the centre of the EU-Colombia dialogue. It is important that people in Colombia who engage peacefully in the political and social developments of their society can do so without fear of risks to their personal liberty or security. It is also important that all parties operate within the rule of law. In the interests of fostering conditions which support peace and sustainable development, I urge all involved to address issues of insecurity and to investigate fully serious incidents such as the killing of Mr Garcia.

President Santos and I also discussed the Colombian peace process. I welcome progress reached earlier this month on the issue of political participation. I wish the parties success in their discussions on the other important items on their agenda so that a final comprehensive peace agreement can be secured and an end brought to the long conflict in Colombia.

My colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, noted in a reply to a Parliamentary Question on 5th November last that the trade agreement between the European Union and its Member States and Colombia and Peru was signed in June 2012 and has been provisionally applied with Colombia since 1st August 2013. Free trade agreements such as these are important in helping our ambitious and innovative exporters to build new markets. The trade agreement with Colombia and Peru can also contribute in a significant way to economic developments in those countries. Leveraging the most from this potential can best be done by supporting economic growth that is made sustainable through good governance in the form of respect for labour as well as environmental standards, and the full promotion and protection of human rights. The inclusion of significant clauses covering human rights, the environment, labour principles and rights, and sustainable development in the trade agreement with Colombia and Peru provide an important framework within which we can seek the best possible outcome from the interaction between trade, social and environmental standards.

Guided by our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, Ireland will continue to work closely with our EU partners to support peace in Colombia and to promote the progressive improvement of human rights standards.