The Irish Ambassador to Colombia is the official representative at this week's trial of the three Irish men in Bogota, and will report fully to the Department on it.
I understand that, in addition to three Members of the Oireachtas, a number of international observers, including legal representatives, will be present at the trial. I would envisage that some or all of their reports on the proceedings will be made available to the Department. These, together with the report from the Ambassador, will then be thoroughly reviewed.
The Department, in providing consular assistance to the three men, has repeatedly expressed to the Colombian authorities the importance of ensuring that they receive a fair trial, that their safety is assured, that they are held in proper conditions and that they have adequate access to their legal representatives. I personally emphasised these points to the Colombian Foreign Minister when I met her in New York last September.
The Department will continue to follow this case closely, and will also continue to provide every possible consular assistance to the men and to their families.
