andMr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the substantial deterioration in the health of Anatoly Shcharansky detained in a Soviet prison and if he will make representations to the Soviet Government expressing concern at the deterioration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Detention of Russian.
53.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government's concern at the trial of Anatoly Shcharansky was expressed in a statement made by Deputy O'Kennedy as Minister for Foreign Affairs on 11 July 1978. This concern was reiterated in a joint declaration made by the Foreign Ministers of the Nine member states of the European Communities on 18 July 1978. Since that time my Department have continued to follow as closely as possible the situation with regard to Shcharansky and others in a similar position in Eastern Europe.
As was pointed out in the statements to which I have referred, the treatment of Shcharansky must be seen in the context of the Helsinki Final Act. I wish to assure the Deputy that the Irish delegation at the forthcoming Madrid Review Conference will work with our Community partners to ensure that a very comprehensive review of the implementation of the Final Act takes place at Madrid.