Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 January 2011
33 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to support a family (details supplied) whose son was shot dead in Bolivia and who have petitioned the United Nations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2845/11]
View answerThe Deputy is referring to the case of Michael Dwyer, who was shot dead by the Bolivian State Security Services on 16 April 2009 in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. From the outset, every effort has been made to establish the facts surrounding the death of Mr Dwyer and to provide all possible consular assistance to his family. Minister Micheál Martin wrote to the UN Special Rapporteur for Extra-Judicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions in May 2010 to support his efforts in seeking clarification from the Bolivian authorities of the events which led to the death of Mr Dwyer. The Special Rapporteur, whose mandate includes communications with Governments about alleged cases of unlawful killings, is expected to present his report to the Human Rights Council in the near future. I wish to assure you that I and my officials will persist in our efforts to clarify the circumstances surrounding Mr Dwyer's death and will continue to remain in direct contact with the Dwyer family.
34 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on revelations regarding overflights and rendition flights concerning Ireland made in recent weeks, which appear to raise questions about the integrity of the response given by him to the Council of Europe at the time regarding such incidents. [2884/11]
View answerIt is not my practice to comment on matters contained in leaked documents which have no official standing. Ireland's response in February 2006 to the Secretary General's Article 52 Questionnaire circulated by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe was and remains accurate.
