International Relations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Questions (147)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

147. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Gerardo Hernandez, a Cuban national and one of the Miami Five imprisoned in the United States, has been prevented from meeting with his legal adviser and his consular advisers in the lead up to his final appeal; and if he will take immediate action to hold the USA to account for the violation of the few legal rights remaining to him. [37040/12]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. As I have made clear in previous replies, the Government has no standing in this matter, which is a bilateral consular question between the US and the Cuban authorities and, consequently, I do not intend to pursue this matter with the US administration.