asked the Minister for External Affairs if his Department have made inquiries into the death of an Irish nun (name supplied) in Nigeria; if a protest has been made to the Nigerian authorities; if so, in what form; what steps he will take to safeguard Irish missionaries and relief workers in Nigeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Death of Irish Nun.
162.
Inquiries were made into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of an Irish nun recently in Nigeria and the grave concern of the Irish Government at the incident was expressed by the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. to the Nigerian authorities at the time. The Ambassador has since been instructed to pursue the inquiries and to emphasise the concern of the Irish Government and people. As to the steps which might be taken to safeguard Irish missionaries and relief workers in Nigeria, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be unrealistic to expect firm guarantees of the safety of persons living in areas where war is in progress, but the Embassy in Nigeria will continue on every suitable occasion to impress upon the authorities there the expectations of the Irish Government that all possible steps will be taken to safeguard Irish missionaries and relief workers.