John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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173. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement his Department has had with the Colombian authorities regarding Cerrejón coal mine; if concerns have been raised regarding human rights and the importation of coal to Ireland from the mine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5830/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland and Colombia enjoy excellent, long-standing relations across a range of areas. .

Ireland takes a very active role in supporting human rights defenders, indigenous communities and civil society space in Colombia, recognising that addressing social, land-related and environmental issues is an essential component of Colombia’s peace process. We remain firmly committed to supporting the implementation of the Colombian Peace Agreement, as well as, more broadly, the ‘Total Peace’ policy of the current administration.

Ireland also welcomes the Colombian Government’s efforts to promote dialogue at regional level and the firm commitment to agriculture and land reform as part of efforts to consolidate peace in Colombia. Ireland is committed to supporting these efforts, including by sharing experiences from our own island.

As the Deputy is aware, responsibility with regard to the importation of coal comes under the remit of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the ESB. However, I am aware of the human rights concerns that have been raised by some civil society organisations around the operation of the Cerrejón mine, and my Department has been following these issues closely.

The Embassy of Ireland in Bogotá has visited the region where the mine is located, as well as the mine itself, on several occasions, most recently in November 2022. Officials have interacted with a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, local authorities, and the management of the mine, in order to gain a greater understanding of the circumstances. This engagement will continue, including where opportunities arise to discuss the issues relating to the mine directly with the Colombian authorities.

I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department in Dublin and at our Embassy in Bogotá will continue to follow these issues closely in 2023.