Finian McGrath
Question:252 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the Miami Five case in the USA. [22996/03]
Written Answers. - Diplomatic Representation.
As I stated in my replies to the Deputy's parliamentary questions of 1 July and 30 September 2003, the Irish Government has no standing in the bilateral consular matter between the Cuban and US authorities concerning the cases of five Cuban citizens imprisoned in the United States.
Finian McGrath
Question:253 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding a case (details supplied) in England. [22997/03]
This case continues to be closely monitored by my Department. On my instructions, the Irish Embassy in London contacted the solicitor of the person to whom the Deputy refers and they have now been informed that it is not open to the individual to lodge an appeal against his conviction because he pleaded guilty at his original trial and was given a mandatory sentence. I understand, however, that his solicitors are now in the process of investigating the possibility of making representations to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, CCRC, seeking to have his case reopened. My Department will continue to keep in contact with the person to whom the Deputy refers and his solicitor and his family, and to provide all appropriate consular assistance and advice.
Finian McGrath
Question:254 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the case of three Irish citizens known as the Colombia Three; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22998/03]
The concluding session of the trial took place from 28 July to 1 August 2003. Closing arguments were heard from the prosecutor, the defence and the representative of the Procurator General. The three men also appeared in court and made statements. The ambassador to Colombia acted as my official representative at this session and his report has been considered carefully in my Department.
The trial has now ended and the judge is expected to deliver his verdict in the coming months. Although we must respect the internal Colombian judicial process, I expressed our hope that the issue would be concluded as soon as possible when I met the Colombian Foreign Minister, Ms Carolina Barco, at the recent UN General Assembly in New York. My Department will continue to follow this case closely and provide all possible consular assistance to the men.