asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the assistance and co-operation which has been given to the family of an Irish citizen (details supplied) by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Assistance to Irish Citizen.
60.
May I say at the outset that I sincerely sympathise with the family concerned on their most tragic loss.
My Department first learned of the death of the Irish citizen in this case on the morning of 21 July 1989. The Irish Embassy at Tokyo was immediately asked for a report on the case. Later that day the Embassy advised the Department that the Irish citizen had been found dead the previous afternoon at the apartment of an Iranian national.
A short time afterwards the Iranian national was arrested in connection with the killing and has since been charged. An initial court hearing was held on 7 November at which the official prosecution made a presentation of the case. The trial will continue with a further hearing on 6 December.
My Department provide, on request, consular advice and assistance in cases involving Irish citizens who die abroad either through natural causes or otherwise. In this case my Department and the Embassy at Tokyo have assisted in the repartiation of the remains at the earliest opportunity; in co-operation with the family, ensured that the dead citizen's effects were properly taken care of and are being dealt with in accordance with the wishes of the family; advised the family in Ireland and the brother of the dead citizen who is still in Tokyo, of developments, and arranged for a meeting between the family and the Irish Ambassador to Japan when the later was on a visit to Dublin.
As regards the trial of the accused in the case, the Department and embassy have obtained, and passed on to the family, an outline of the legal process which must be undergone in such cases; advise the member of the family in Tokyo as to where he may best obtain professional legal advice on the matter and monitored very closely the development of the case. This has involved contacting the police, discussing the matter with relevant senior officials and being represented at the court hearing by an officer of the embassy.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department, and the Irish Embassy at Tokyo, will continue to do everything they can to assist the family in this matter. However, I am sure he will appreciate that it is not our practice to intervene in the judicial process of other States.