Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 May 1996

Vol. 466 No. 1

Written Answers. - British Government Forensic Laboratory.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

59 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations, if any, he intends to make in regard to the recent disclosures by the British Home Secretary regarding the Government Forensic Laboratory at Seven Oaks in Kent, England; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10778/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 82 of 21 May 1996.

The recent announcement by the British Home Secretary that evidence of contamination has been found at the forensics explosives laboratory, Fort Halstead, Kent, raises the possiblity that convictions of a number of prisoners on explosives charges in Britain since 1989 may be affected. As I stated in my recent reply, the possibility that any person might be convicted on the basis of doubtful evidence is a cause for grave concern.

In that reply I stated my intention of raising this matter at the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference meeting on 22 May 1996.

I confirm that I expressed our concern about the implications of these revelations with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland during this conference meeting. I understand from these discussions that the Caddy Inquiry established to investigate the matter is expected to report within the next few months and that the legal representatives of those who may be effected are to be contacted by the British authorities.

I will continue to urge the British authorities to ensure that the Caddy Inquiry and any necessary referrals to the Court of Appeal will proceed in an expeditious manner.