Vol. 538 No. 3
78 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the legal division of his Department has studied the details of a murder trial (details supplied); if not, if he will have it do so; and if he will request the Attorney General to examine the case, to ensure that there was not a miscarriage of justice based on racist grounds. [17916/01]
My Department was not supplied with the details referred to in the Deputy's question, but I understand that the individual concerned was charged with murder and a plea of guilty to manslaughter was accepted. He was then sentenced to 16 years imprisonment. I further understand that he has instructed a well known firm of UK lawyers to examine his legal position.
The Irish Embassy in London is in contact with this person's legal representatives and a member of the embassy's consular staff will visit him shortly.
He should be advised by his legal representatives about how best to avail of the review and/or appeal procedures provided for in the British judicial system. Neither my Department nor the Attorney General has the roles envisaged in the Deputy's question. However, the embassy will remain in contact with him and his legal representatives will give him all appropriate consular assistance and support and will keep me informed of developments.
