Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Mar 1995

Vol. 451 No. 2

Written Answers. - Prisoner Representations.

Noel Davern

Question:

44 Mr. Davern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations which he has made on behalf of a person (details supplied) who was convicted of murder and is serving his sentence at Swaleside Prison; and if he or representatives from his Department or Embassy staff have visited this person regarding his plea of innocence and unfair trial. [6487/95]

Tanáiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I am aware of concern on the part of many people about the safety of this person's conviction. I understand the case has been taken up by a prominent UK solicitor who has prepared a detailed submission which will be forwarded to the Home Secretary shortly.

The Embassy in London has carefully monitored this case since it came to attention some years ago and the convicted person has been visited in prison on a number of occasions by Embassy officials, most recently in July 1994. The Embassy is also maintaining close contact with the solicitor involved in the case.

Applications for parole were turned down by a Parole Board in December 1990 and February 1993 and a further application is to be considered in May 1995.

The possibility of representations to the Home Office will be considered in the light of the solicitor's advice, the decision of the Parole Board and the response to the legal submission.