asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has examined the circumstances under which an Irish citizen has been imprisoned in Belgium; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answer. - Irish Citizen's Imprisonment.
270.
When the case to which I assume the Deputy refers first came to the attention of our embassy to Belgium arrangements were made immediately for an officer of the embassy to visit the Irish citizen concerned in the prison where he was being detained. Subsequently this officer paid another visit to the prisoner. Special facilities were afforded by the Department for the rapid transmission from Ireland to Belgium of papers required in connection with the defence of the accused. Our embassy has satisfied itself as to the welfare of this citizen who is being well treated and is not in solitary confinement. The embassy considers that his legal interests are fully and adequately provided for and it is keeping in the closest touch with the case. It will do everything appropriate to its functions and subject to the advice of the counsel for the defence, to be of whatever assistance it can possibly be to the accused man. The embassy is in virtually daily contact with the Belgian counsel who has been retained for the defence of this Irish citizen.