Vol. 480 No. 6
132 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress, if any, which is being made on the case of a person (details supplied), which was referred to the Independent Criminal Cases Review Committee, in view of an article (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14843/97]
The Criminal Cases Review Commission in Britain in April this year took over from the Home Office responsibility for cases of alleged miscarriage of justice. It has the power to refer cases back to the Court of Appeal without the need to obtain the approval of the Home Secretary. The case of the Irish prisoner in question is one of those currently under consideration by the Commission.
The Embassy in London has been maintaining regular contact with the commission about progress in the case and has been assured that it will be dealt with as expeditiously as possible. Representatives of the commission visited the prisoner two weeks ago and had a lengthy discussion about the case with him. I am hopeful that the recent emergence of new evidence will enable the commission to arrive at an early decision on this case.
I have asked the Embassy to continue closely to monitor the situation.
