Vol. 495 No. 4
95 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the information he has in relation to the situation in Colombia where an Irish company (details supplied) has purchased land and is in dispute with a group of ethnic Paez locals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19925/98]
While I am aware that land use in parts of Colombia and conflicting ownership claims have given rise to difficult social and economic problems, including disputes between companies and indigenous peoples, we have not been approached by any party to the particular dispute to which the Deputy makes reference.
I understand that local Paez people are occupying land purchased some years ago by the Irish company concerned and that reprsentatives of the Paez have recently had discussions in Ireland with the company. The company has apparently offered to arrange a further meeting in Colombia with all interested parties.
