Vol. 556 No. 5
129 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he has taken to date and intends to take to ensure that the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary is referred to the Court of Appeal in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20934/02]
This case is being closely monitored by my Department. The person in question has been visited by a diplomatic officer from the Embassy in London and the Embassy is in regular contact with his solicitor. I also met with members of his family and supporters of the campaign for his release in October last year. I assured them that my Department would continue to provide every possible consular assistance. I understand that the person concerned, through his solicitor, is pursuing an appeal against his conviction.
130 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is sending a legal representative to the trial of the Irish citizens, the Columbia three, in December 2002. [20967/02]
A diplomatic officer from the Irish Embassy in Mexico, which is also accredited to Colombia, has attended the two hearings to date as a consular observer. A decision on the question of sending a legal observer to attend the next stage of the trial will be taken in due course, in the light of an assessment of all aspects of the issue.
