Vol. 396 No. 9
24 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has any plans to raise the case of the Birmingham Six with his European counterparts to seek their support in this important human rights issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
53 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he proposed to take during the Presidency of the European Council to highlight the case of the Birmingham Six and to press the UK Government for their immediate release; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 53 together.
As I have stated previously, the Government's priority at present is to press the British authorities to undertake a complete review of the Birmingham Six case; our views and concerns in this matter have been conveyed repeatedly and forcefully to the British Government and we will avail of every appropriate opportunity to continue to do so.
While the Government's present priority is to pursue the case bilaterally, we have as appropriate raised the case internationally, including at the Foreign Affairs Council on 19 December last, following the transmission to the Council of a resolution on the case from the European Parliament. We are always prepared to consider availing of other occasions, including during the present six month period, to raise this case bilaterally or otherwise, as appropriate.
