Vol. 560 No. 3
244 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts the Government has made in tracing a person (details supplied) who was kidnapped just before Christmas 2002; the current situation in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2611/03]
I am aware that the individual concerned was kidnapped in Ecuador last October. The case is being dealt with by the British consular authorities as the individual was travelling on a British passport having lived in Britain for many years.
The Irish embassy in London has been kept informed of developments in this case by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The FCO has also been in constant contact with the individual's immediate family. It is not the policy of my Department to comment on individual consular cases. Such cases, in particular those of a sensitive nature, are always treated confidentially.
