Written answers
Wednesday, 18 January 2023
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
International Relations
Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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618. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the role of the Irish Embassy in Colombia in the ongoing land dispute between a company (details supplied) and the Misak people in the Cauca region of Colombia; if he will provide an update on the ongoing mediation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1614/23]
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Foreign Affairs continues to closely engage with the communities and the company in Colombia referenced by the Deputy. This continuing engagement with all parties ensures my officials have a deep understanding of this highly complex situation, to best support inclusive dialogue to resolve the issues at play.
Officials from the Embassy of Ireland in Colombia have visited the region and met with stakeholders, most recently in December 2022, to support the facilitation of a dialogue process. This dialogue is proceeding through engagement locally with all relevant stakeholders, including the communities and company involved, the Government in Colombia, and non-governmental organisations.
I 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.
Ireland fully supports the efforts of the Colombian Government to implement land reforms in order to improve equality of land access in Colombia. This support has been communicated to the administration of President Petro. On-the-ground engagement on these issues continues through our Embassy in Colombia.
Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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620. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the dates in 2022 that the Irish ambassador and-or Deputy Head of Mission in Bangkok visited the Pattaya area of Thailand; and the purpose of each visit, in tabular form. [1803/23]
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland and Thailand continue to enjoy good bilateral relations, which have deepened in recent years following the opening of Ireland's Embassy in Bangkok in 2014.
In the normal course of events Embassy officials regularly engage in work across the many regions of Thailand, including for trade and promotional purposes, to engage with the Irish community, and to provide consular assistance.
Embassy officials visited Pattaya in 2021. In October 2022 the Ambassador met with Irish community representatives from Pattaya in Bangkok. There were no visits by Embassy officials to Pattaya in 2022, due in part to the impact of COVID-19 domestic travel restrictions.
Since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, regular travel by the Embassy has resumed. The Ambassador intends to travel to Pattaya in the coming period.
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