asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of widespread allegations that the South African authorities were responsible for the murder of an Irish passport holder (details supplied) and her six-year-old child, by a parcel bomb in Angola in June last; if he has made any representations to the South African authorities arising from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers - Murder of Irish Nationals.
13.
An Irish citizen, Mrs. Jeannette Schoon (nee Curtis), and her six-year-old daughter, Katryn, were killed by a parcel bomb sent to their home in Lubango, Angola, on 28 June last.
The Government condemn these murders unreservedly and on their behalf I wish to extend our sympathy to the Schoon and Curtis families.
I am aware of press reports which blame the South African authorities for the killings. In early July, through our respective missions to the United Nations, we requested the Angolan authorities for any further information which they might have concerning the killings. So far, we have not received any further details.
When I receive the information I have requested from the Angolan authorities I shall consider what representations would be appropriate.
As a Member who met Marius Schoon when he was in Dublin I should like to ask the Minister if in the event of the Angolan authorities not responding the Government will be prepared to register a protest with South Africa, indeed, to seek an explanation from the South African authorities in regard to their involvement in this incident and to afford them the opportunity of indicating what, if any, views they hold on the tragic deaths that occurred in this family?
The question of responsibility for these unfortunate deaths has not been established. I would not like to speculate on what might happen until a reply has been received form the Angolan authorities. When that reply is forthcoming a decision will have to be made.