asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to President Aquino of the Philippine Islands for the immediate release of Rev. Father Rudi Romano CSSR who has been missing since July 1985; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Disappearance of Philippine Priest.
39.
Since my previous statement to the Dáil on 5 November 1985 concerning the disappearance of Father Romano we have pursued the matter with the Philippine authorities but no information has been forthcoming on his whereabouts.
While in Manila some days ago Ireland's Ambassador to the Philippines who is resident in Beijing raised the case again but was informed by the Philippine authorities that despite extensive inquiries they have not been able to obtain any information on Father Romano.
I have no doubt that the new Philippine Government will make every effort to pursue the investigation. For our part we will encourage the Philippine authorities in this sense and we will continue to take a close interest in the situation.