In the circumstances of this case I believe it is more appropriate that contact should be handled through the Embassy in London rather than through the Anglo-Irish Conference to which the Deputy refers.
As I said in my reply to a Dáil question from the Deputy on 16 February, 1993, the Embassy has paid particular attention to the case. The Embassy was in touch with the British authorities about the matter and was in contact with legal representatives of the person concerned and with members of his family. I welcome the fact that he has now been released and that all of the charges against him have been dropped.
I can assure the Deputy that the British authorities are fully aware of the Government's views on the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. We have, for example, conveyed our views on several occasions to Lord Colville in connection with his annual review of the Act and we have consistently made clear to the British authorities our concern that the legislation should be applied in an evenhanded manner. For its part the Embassy in London continues to monitor developments in individual cases and to maintain close contact in this area with the British authorities.
