asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the military authorities in Chile on behalf of political prisoners (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Chilean Political Prisoners.
333.
Together with our partners in the European Community, we have expressed concern on many occasions about breaches of human rights and democratic freedoms in Chile.
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland does not have formal diplomatic relations with Chile. We have, however, raised the cases of the persons referred to by the Deputy with the Chilean authorities through diplomatic channels. In addition, the ten member states of the European Community have approached the Chilean authorities concerning some of these persons.
We have been informed by the Chilean authorities that legal proceedings in these cases have not yet been completed. Together with our partners in the Ten, we shall keep the position of these individuals under review.