asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if in view of the continuing concern about Luis Tricot, two of whose children were born in Ireland, he will make further representations to the Chilean authorities to endeavour to secure his release.
Written Answers. - Chilean Prisoner.
78.
I am anxious to do what I can to help Mr. Tricot. In common with our partners in the European Community we continue to be concerned about abuses of civil, political and human rights in Chile. While we do not have formal diplomatic relations with Chile, we are able with the assistance of our partners in the European Community to monitor the situation there and to make statements and representations to the Chilean authorities jointly with our partners when circumstances warrant this. We have already made a special démarche in Santiago on Mr. Tricot's behalf with the kind assistance of one of our partners.
It has been suggested that the Chilean authorities might agree to release Mr. Tricot if we allow him to return to this country as a refugee. I intend to make further representations to the Chilean authorities on these lines as soon as we know Mr. Tricot's wishes regarding his possible return to Ireland.