asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the overwhelming evidence that there has been a miscarriage of justice in the cases of the Birmingham Six, the Guildford Four and Annie Maguire and of the recent television programme on Channel 4, and earlier programmes on both Irish and British television, which substantiate the belief of 220 British MPs that all 17 are innocent, he will now take a case to the European Court of Human Rights, to seek the release and clearing of the convictions; the action he has taken since the Taoiseach's statement on 5 November 1985 on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Irish People in British Prisons.
30.
As I informed the Dáil on 23 October I have personally raised the cases of the Birmingham Six, the Guildford Four, and Annie Maguire and her family with the British Home Secretary and my understanding is that all these cases are currently under review within the Home Office. It remains my hope that positive action will be taken on these cases. I have taken advantage of all appropriate opportunities to make my concern about these cases known to the British authorities both in my direct contacts with the Home Secretary and through the Embassy in London and I will continue to do so.
Under Article 25 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Commission on Human Rights may receive petitions from anyone claiming to be victims of a violation of the rights guaranteed by the convention. It is accordingly open to all those involved in these cases to initiate proceedings should their lawyers advise that such action would be appropriate.