Vol. 347 No. 12
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of comments made by the Bishop of Negros in the Philippines, Bishop Fortich, that he does not believe that Fr. Niall O'Brien will get a fair trial; and, in the light of this statement the additional measures he will take, beyond those announced in the Dáil on 2 February to ensure that Fr. O'Brien gets a fair trial.
340.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Taoiseach will immediately intervene on a person-to-person basis with President Marcos of the Philippines on behalf of Fr. Niall O'Brien and his colleagues to ensure that they get a fair trial and that proper security will be available to them permanently; if he will communicate personally with President Reagan of the USA and the Prime Minister of Australia on this serious situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter as a result of his intervention.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 339 and 340 together. I would like to assure Deputies that I am monitoring developments in this case in detail. The Government will continue to take all steps best calculated to protect the interests of Fr. O'Brien.
I have been in correspondence with the Acting Foreign Minister of the Philippines, Mr. Manuel Collantes, who has assured me that President Marcos has ordered a speedy and fair trial. I have also arranged with Mr. Collantes for full diplomatic standing in the Philippines for a First Secretary from the Irish Embassy in Canberra whom I sent to the Philippines as soon as I learned of the trial date.
I have spoken to Foreign Minister Hayden of Australia and have asked him to express my concern in the strongest terms to the Philippine authorities when he visits Manila later this month.
With regard to certain further action suggested by the questioners, I would like to refer to the points made by that Minister, Deputy Cooney, when speaking on this matter in the debate on the Adjournment on 7 February, particularly with regard to the possible effects of certain actions suggested.
I am concerned, and will continue to be concerned, about this case until it is satisfactorily resolved, and will continue to take the action that is judged to be most helpful to Fr. O'Brien's interests.
