asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent efforts to bring about the release of Brian Keenan.
Written Answers. - Brian Keenan Case.
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Our efforts on behalf of Mr. Keenan involve constant contact with those whom we hope can be of assistance. Since my last statement to the House on 7 February, I have discussed the sad situation of Brian Keenan with the Syrian Foreign Minister and, more recently during my visit to New York last week, with the Iranian Foreign Minister. On each occasion, I renewed my appeal for assistance in obtaining information regarding Mr. Keenan's whereabouts and wellbeing and in securing his release. Both assured me of their goodwill in the matter and promised to continue to help us.
Among other contacts, I would mention that our Ambassador to Syria visited Damascus in March and had discussions with the Syrian authorities. During April, our new Ambassador to the Lebanon visited Beirut in order to renew the contacts which his predecessor had with political representatives and leaders of the main militia groups.
The Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Vincent Brady, also discussed Mr. Keenan with the Syrian and Lebanese Defence Ministers during his visit to the Middle East in March.
I can assure the House that I will continue my efforts to secure the early release of Brian Keenan.