Richard Bruton
Question:88 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make arrangements to ensure the safety of the persons released by the Colombian authorities following the recent court decision. [13065/04]
View answerWednesday, 5 May 2004
Questions (93, 94)
Tony Gregory
Question:90 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he has taken following the court verdict in Colombia on the three Irish citizens; if he has impressed on the Colombian Government the need to ensure the safety of the three persons; if he has requested their urgent repatriation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12830/04]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 90 together.
Following the decision of the court to acquit the three Irish citizens in Colombia on the charge of training terrorists and to convict them on the charge of travelling on false passports, my Department has remained in continuous contact with the Colombian authorities, as well as with the men's defence team.
In all our contacts, we have strongly emphasised the importance of ensuring the men's safety and that of their representatives and facilitating their quick return to Ireland. The Colombian authorities, in response, said they share our concerns to ensure the safety and well-being of the men, and are willing to provide them with appropriate security for any time they may spend between leaving the prison and returning to Ireland. This latter issue has been the subject of ongoing discussion between the Colombian authorities and the men's representatives.
Furthermore, we believe that the most effective way of guaranteeing the men's safety is to ensure their rapid departure from Colombia. In this regard, the Irish ambassador to Mexico, who is also accredited to Colombia, has conveyed to the Colombian authorities our wish to see the men's early return to Ireland, and expressed our hope that, given the court's decision, this will be facilitated.
In addition, as part of the consular service offered by my Department to Irish citizens abroad, we have agreed to advance funds to cover the bond which must be paid to secure their release from prison, in accordance with the terms of the court decision, on the basis of a firm undertaking to repay this money at an early date.
The Deputies may be assured that, as from the start of this case, my Department will provide all possible consular assistance to the men and their families and supporters, and do its utmost to ensure the men's safety and well-being.