asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs in view of the frequent abduction of Irish voluntary workers in the Third World, the steps he is taking to avert such occurrences; and if he will initiate at international level a concerted plan for a rescue operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Abduction of Irish Voluntary Workers.
15.
I have already expressed to the Dáil my concern at the abduction of the two Concern volunteers in Ethiopia, Miss Fiona Quinn and Miss Mary Coen, and outlined the action taken by the Government to secure their early and safe release. Theirs is the second such abduction in recent months. Earlier similar incidents have ended in the safe release of the volunteers and I am heartened at the report that Fiona Quinn and Mary Coen are safe and well. I understand that they too will shortly be handed over in Khartoum.
Notwithstanding this it is a matter of great concern to me that our citizens, who give selflessly of themselves in humanitarian causes, should be treated in this fashion. Such abductions by whatever organisation and for whatever political cause must give rise to great distress for the individuals involved and for their families and friends here at home. While our immediate aim must be to ensure the safe release of those now abducted I can assure the Deputy and the House that we shall consider all appropriate action, including action at the international level, that might avert such incidents in the future.
Could the Taoiseach be a little bit more specific on what action his Government hope to take at international level to prevent such occurrences? As the Taoiseach is no doubt aware, there are approximately 638 directly employed and 1,200 indirectly employed on bilateral aid programmes funded by the Government. If our relief workers are to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently they must be protected from harassment, abduction and kidnapping.
It is true that, as our experience would indicate, bilateral action is the most effective, either through diplomatic or other channels. That is not to say that it would not be desirable to have some sort of international supervision but I think in specific cases a direct, bilateral approach is best.
In respect of the explosion which took place at the hotel in Khartoum yesterday, have the Government expressed to the Sudanese Government their concern that aid workers doing voluntary work in the Sudan should be exposed to the type of attack which took place on the hotel?
We have conveyed our concern.