Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 1996

Vol. 473 No. 1

Written Answers. - Release of Mordechai Vanunu.

Ray Burke

Question:

61 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Government is aware of the case of Mordechai Vanunu, who has been in solitary confinement in Israel for almost ten years; the Government's and the EU's position in this regard; and the steps, if any, being taken by the Government, in its capacity as EU President, to ensure that Israeli President, Ezer Weizmann, uses his executive powers to grant clemency to Mr. Vanunu allowing his immediate release from prison. [24342/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Government has followed the case of Mordechai Vanunu, a former nuclear technician in Israel who was convicted of treason in 1988 for providing a newspaper with information showing that Israel has nuclear weapons. Mr. Vanunu received a sentence of 18 years.

This matter has been discussed with our EU partners. Our ability to intervene on Mr. Vanunu's behalf is limited because he was tried and convicted in accordance with Israeli law and had full access to legal representation. Nonetheless, we do have concerns regarding this case, not least in view of reports that Mr. Vanunu has been held in solitary confinement for the larger part of his sentence. The Israeli Government is aware of our interest in this case.

I am sympathetic to the view of many Parliamentarians, both nationally and at the European Parliament, who wish to see Mr. Vanunu benefit from an act of clemency by President Weizmann.