Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Mar 1990

Vol. 397 No. 6

Written Answers. - Charges Against Irish Citizen in Philippines.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

97 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the present position in relation to charges in the Philippines against a person (details supplied) who is a Columban priest; whether representations have been made to the authorities in the Philippines on the issue; and, if so, the response received to such representations.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

Since the case first came to my attention I have been actively monitoring the situation with the assistance of the Irish Honorary Consul General at Manila. The latter has, in turn, been in continuous contact with the accused man's attorney and the Columban Fathers in the area and has submitted a number of reports on developments as they occurred.

My understanding of the present position is that the prosecuting and defence attorneys have made written submissions to the Philippine Commission on Immigration and Deportation. The Commission is currently studying these submissions but has made no decision yet on whether to proceed with the case or to drop the charges.

I raised the case of this citizen with the Philippine Minister for Foreign Affairs during the course of the EC-Asean meeting which took place in Kuching in February, 1990. I stated that the Irish Government was very concerned regarding the matter. My concern was noted by the Philippine Minister.

I can assure the House that I will continue to take personal interest in this case until it has been satisfactorily resolved.