asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has any initiative planned to seek the release of Brian Keenan; if he will consider sending a special delegation from Dáil Éireann to visit Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Release of Brian Keenan.
20.
The Government attach very great importance to efforts to obtain information regarding the wellbeing and whereabouts of Brian Keenan with a view to securing his release. I can assure the House that I will do what I can to resolve this very sad matter as quickly as possible. In this connection, I am reviewing what possibilities for action may be open to me and will follow those which appear to be most likely to produce results. However, Deputies will appreciate that I am not in a position to go into details.
In the meantime, the Government will continue to pursue inquiries with the Iranian authorities as well as other parties which might be of assistance. While I appreciate the Deputy's question I do not feel that a parliamentary delegation would be appropriate at the present time.