Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 5

Written Answers. - Imprisonment of Irish Citizens Abroad.

John Gormley

Question:

178 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received representations from the family of a person (details supplied) who is currently being held in Columbia; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the family insist that he has no connections with any military grouping or with Sinn Féin, and that this person is being unjustly held by the Colombian authorities; the steps he has taken so far to investigate fully this matter and to ensure that this person is treated fairly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24940/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I have received representations from the family of the person referred to by the Deputy and I am aware of their views in the matter. I have met representatives of the family to discuss their concerns and officials of my Department have maintained close contact with them in relation to the progress of this case. Since the arrest of this person, and of the other two men detained with him, my Department has been active in providing consular assistance to them with a view to ensuring that they are held in safe and secure accommodation, have reasonable living conditions and adequate access to their legal representatives. These concerns have been raised with the Colombian authorities through diplomatic channels. In addition, I have written to the Colombian foreign minister to ask him to request the competent authorities to expedite the case to the greatest degree possible. My Department will continue to monitor this case very closely and to provide all possible consular assistance.