Vol. 565 No. 1
152 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest reports or information he has received from the consular officer who has been attending the trial of three Irish men facing serious charges in Colombia; if he has information as to when the trial is expected to resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9864/03]
The trial of the three Irishmen is resuming in Bogota this week. The Irish ambassador to Columbia will be our official representative at this session, as he has been at the last two sessions of the trial in Bogota.
I have received reports from the ambassador and also from other observers who have attended the trial. All of their reports have been considered carefully in my Department, including at the legal level. As the trial is continuing, it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment on the proceedings at the present time.
My Department will continue to follow this case closely and to provide all possible consular assistance to the men.
