asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress that is being made by his Department to secure the release of a person (details supplied) since his abduction in April, 1986.
Written Answers. - Release of Abducted Person.
34.
Mr. Keenan, a teacher at the American University in Beirut, has been missing in Beirut since 11 April 1986. No group has claimed responsibility or made any demands in respect of his abduction.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be prudent to detail all the efforts which have been made to locate Mr. Keenan, but I would like to assure him and the House that my Department have repeatedly been in contact with all parties that might be able to provide assistance in this case. I should also add that my Department and Mr. Keenan's family in Belfast are in close contact.
In addition, Mr. Keenan's case has been publicised on television in Beirut on two occasions and we assisted in having a letter from his family published in local Beirut newspapers last week.
This case will continue to receive my close personal attention and that of my Department until Mr. Keenan is freed.