asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent report produced by Amnesty International which detailed the torture and ill-treatment by Chilean security forces of a former Irish resident, Luis Tricot; if, in view of this report he intends to make any further representations to the Chilean authorities, or if he intends to take steps to secure the release of Mr. Tricot; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Chilean Treatment of Former Irish Resident.
35.
I am aware of the Amnesty International report to which the Deputy refers. It contains allegations by Mr. Tricot that he was threatened, beaten and subjected to electric shocks and that in consequence he suffered an epileptic fit and a fractured vertebra. Mr. Tricot's statement substantiates reports of his mistreatment and torture which reached me after his arrest last September and on the basis of which the concern of the Government was expressed to the Chilean authorities. Mr. Tricot has been receiving hospital treatment for injuries which the authorities claim have been caused by an epileptic fit.
I am paying close attention to Mr. Tricot's case and am anxious to do what I can to help him. Since we do not have an Embassy in Santiago communication with Mr. Tricot is difficult. As I said in reply to a previous question on 8 December 1987, he will be allowed to return to live in this country should he express the wish to do so. I am still trying to establish what his wishes are.
37.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the average number of daily queries being received from undocumented young Irish immigrants at each of its United States Consulates.
On average our consulates general in New York and Boston receive respectively 179 and 125 queries each week from Irish citizens about their status in the United States or for advice on welfare issues such as health care, social security, employment and travel documents. The consulates in Chicago and San Francisco each receive about 50 such queries each week.