Vol. 480 No. 2
84 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has made representations to the United Kingdom authorities on behalf of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13789/97]
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers and of the concerns which have been expressed regarding the safety of the conviction in question. The Deputy will be aware that the then British Home Secretary referred this case to the Court of Appeal in March of this year.
Humanitarian representations have been made on behalf of the person concerned by the Irish Embassy in London to the relevant British authorities over an extended period. My Department and the Embassy have also had contacts with his legal representatives and supporters. He has received several consular visits from Embassy officials over the last number of years and was moved from Full Sutton Prison to Long Lartin Prison in April of this year. I have directed that he should be visited there again in the near future.
I understand that the appeal in this case is likely to be heard later this year. While the Deputy will appreciate that this is a matter for the individual in question and his legal representatives to pursue, I would assure him that this case will continue to be closely monitored by my Department in the period ahead.
