Vol. 451 No. 5
31 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will meet the family of a person (details supplied) regarding the circumstances of his death in Great Britain in view of the fact that the family have requested his Department to make investigations regarding the matter on their behalf. [6736/95]
55 Mr. Molloy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received correspondence dated 22 November 1994 from persons (details supplied) in Galway who are seeking his assistance in establishing the facts surrounding the murder and burial of a person (details supplied) in London in December 1985. [6266/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 55 together.
I have received the correspondence to which Deputy Molloy refers as well as a further letter dated 7 March 1995. Members of the family have been in contact with my Department and with the Embassy in London at different times since December 1985. As I said in response to a written question from Deputy Killeen on 23 March, I am aware of doubts and unanswered questions in the minds of the family, for whom I have a great deal of sympathy.
This case involves a number of complex issues which are essentially matters of law for clarification by solicitors and, if necessary, by the courts. I understand that the family are being given legal aid in Britain in order to pursue their concerns. At the request of the family, the Embassy in London wrote to the Home Office last November asking that the family's questions be investigated. There has also been correspondence recently between the Embassy and the solicitors now dealing with the case. My Department and the Embassy in London will continue to co-operate with the solicitors and the family and to maintain contact with the Home Office.
Officials of the Department are meeting family members again today and the Minister of State, Deputy Burton, has also offered to meet them. If my personal involvement is likely to be of assistance, I will certainly consider meeting the family.
In view of the very grave disquiet and concern of this family about the issue, I encourage the Minister to agree to meet the family to at least give them peace of mind in this regard. I realise this is being done at official level. I welcome the fact that the Minister of State is prepared to meet the family, but if the Minister would devote some of his time to meeting them it would be much appreciated by this side of the House.
I will certainly bear in mind the Deputy's remarks if such a request is made of me again.
