Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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101. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if any ongoing monitoring or review of the human rights situation in Colombia, as proposed at the Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when it discussed the European Union free trade agreement with Colombia, will take place; and, if so, when it will take place. [42128/15]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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102. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the mechanisms in the European Union free trade agreement with Colombia that provide for the adoption of proportionate measures, up to and including termination of the agreement in circumstances in which democratic principles and fundamental human rights, as laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are not respected, have been invoked in view of recent events in Argelia in the south-western department of Cauca in Colombia, as well as the murders of three prominent human rights defenders (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42129/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.

The Government is concerned at the developments in Colombia in recent weeks. Ireland regularly discusses human rights issues with Colombia as part of our bi-lateral dialogue. Furthermore, human rights is also a priority for the EU and its member states and these issues are addressed in the context of the EU Colombia Human Rights Dialogue. I would also refer to the appointment of Deputy Eamonn Gilmore as EU Special Envoy to the peace process in Colombia and welcome the decision of High Representative Mogherini to assign him the role of spearheading the EU's support to the implementation of a peace agreement in the country. I refer the Deputy also to the answers today by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, in relation to these matters in Questions Nos. 186, 187 and 189.