asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of serious concern for the safety of Fr. John Kingston, the Irish priest who has disappeared in Angola following an attack on his car, apparently by UNITA forces; if the Government have been in touch with the Angolan authorities concerning the matter; the measures the Government is taking to establish the whereabouts of Fr. Kingston and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Private Notice Question. - Disappearance of Irish Priest.
The Government are concerned for the safety and welfare of Fr. John Kingston, the Holy Ghost priest missing in Angola.
At present our information on the events surrounding the disappearance is incomplete but the Government are making every effort to establish the facts and the whereabouts of Fr. Kingston. In this connection we have learned with deep regret that the body of Fr. Jean Wozniak, a French Holy Ghost priest travelling with Fr. Kingston, has been recovered.
My Department have been in direct contact with the Angolan authorities to make known our concern for Fr. Kingston's safety and to request their assistance in establishing his whereabouts. As Ireland does not have diplomatic representation in Angola we have also been in contact with the British and French authorities and inquiries are proceeding through their embassies in Luanda. We have also asked the International Committee of the Red Cross, which operates in Angola, for their help and co-operation.
I wish to assure the House that the Government will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all possible steps to find out what has happened to Fr. Kingston and to ensure his safety.
I am sure the Minister is aware that the spokesperson for the Holy Ghost Fathers in Lisbon is quoted as saying that they believe it was the UNITA group which was responsible. It is widely understood that the South African authorities are involved with the UNITA forces in funding and arming them. Has the Minister considered contacting the South African authorities to see what influence they might have?
I am aware that this statement was made, but it is pointless to speculate who precisely was involved in this unless it leads to securing the release of Father Kingston, which is the first concern of the Government.
I do not wish to enter into speculation. I am asking if approaching the South African authorities is one avenue which could be used to try to locate Father Kingston.
We have contacted the Red Cross and they have contacted the UNITA representative in Paris who is going to Angola some time this afternoon. We hope to get some word back from them which may or may not be helpful.