Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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115. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on any discussions with his Department and his counterpart in Colombia with regard to the operations of a company (details supplied); for an update on engagement between the embassy in Bogota, the company and local communities, and the way that Ireland and Colombia work together to ensure the indigenous Misak people receive justice in their campaign to get their land back; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37164/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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During my visit to Colombia in January 2024, I had the opportunity to engage with a range of Government representatives for wide-ranging discussions on the implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement, peace-building and reconciliation. Ireland is fully committed to supporting the peace process in Colombia and to sharing our experience of reconciliation. The issue of rural reforms, including efforts to improve equality of land access, is a central pillar of the peace process in Colombia. Our support for positive outcomes in this area has been communicated to the administration of President Petro.

The issue referenced by the Deputy is complex and multi-faceted, with multiple viewpoints at play. The Department of Foreign Affairs continues to closely engage with the communities and the company involved.

Our engagement includes support for the facilitation of a dialogue process through engagement at local level with all relevant stakeholders, including the communities and company involved, the Government in Colombia, and non-governmental organisations. Officials from the Embassy of Ireland in Colombia have visited the region and regularly engage with stakeholders. This continuing engagement with all parties seeks to ensure that my officials have a deep understanding of this complex situation, and to best support inclusive dialogue to resolve the issues at play. Our support has also included the sharing of experiences with stakeholders, both in Colombia and in Ireland, relating to peace and reconciliation, rural development and community engagement.

I continue to encourage all parties to engage constructively in this dialogue process. I hope that this will result in a long-term and inclusive solution that respects the rights of all concerned.