Vol. 559 No. 5
151 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will investigate the wrong behaviour of an immigration official at Bogota Airport towards a person (details supplied) when he deliberately tore up this person's passport on 5 December 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26317/02]
152 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) had their Irish passport deliberately torn by a member of the Colombian Security Service, DAS, and that when another Spanish speaking member of the delegation went to make a complaint on his behalf, she was assaulted by a senior member of DAS; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the supervisor in the security section refused to give his name and then proceeded to give a false name which was overheard by a number of individuals (details supplied); his views on these serious developments in view of these charges; the steps his Department has taken to investigate these incidents; and the measures and undertakings he proposes to take to secure and guarantee the future safe passage of Irish citizens through Colombia. [26340/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 152 together.
I am aware of the incident that took place at Bogota Airport on 5 December when the Irish passport of a member of the delegation that travelled to Colombia to observe the trial of the three Irishmen was defaced by a Colombian immigration official. I am aware also of the treatment to which other members of the party were subjected when they sought to complain about this action. I share the views of the Deputies that the behaviour of the Colombian officials in this case was unacceptable. Moreover, it was contrary to assurances given to the delegation by the Colombian Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs that observers who wished to attend the trial would be facilitated by the Colombian authorities. On my instructions, the Irish ambassador to Colombia has lodged a formal protest with the Foreign Ministry there expressing our serious concern and requesting that the incident be fully investigated by the relevant authorities. I will ask the Embassy to seek assurances from the Colombian authorities that the security of observers attending future stages of the trial will be assured.
