Vol. 402 No. 8
33 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the representations which were made to the Israeli authorities on behalf of an Irish citizen (details supplied) in Ashmoret Prison; the outcome of these representations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Irish citizen in question, together with a British companion, was arrested on 9 May near Tiberias following an altercation with an Israeli security guard. The citizen and his companion were later charged with causing grievous bodily harm, illegal use of a motor car, damage to the vehicle and unlawful possession of a firearm. In addition, the Israeli security guard has filed a civil suit against both men for damages.
The Irish citizen was tried with his companion on 25 May and sentenced to one year's imprisonment. He appealed the sentence and, at the appeal hearing on 30 September, his sentence was reduced by 25 per cent. A parole board meeting was held on 13 November at which it was agreed that he would be released shortly. It is understood that on his release he would be deported from Israel. However, because of the civil suit, he is still in custody. His case will be the subject of a meeting between his current legal adviser, the legal adviser of the aggrieved person and the Israeli legal authorities which is expected to take place shortly.
34 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received requests from the family of an Irishman (details supplied) in a British prison who has consistently protested his innocence; if he will arrange to have an official observer at his forthcoming appeal; if he has any concerns on any aspect of this prisoner's case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have received representations from a member of the family of the prisoner in question. It is not the intention to send an official observer to the hearing; however, the Embassy in London has been following this case and will monitor the appeal hearing. As the case is at present before the courts, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment on it.
35 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an Irishman (details supplied) in Gartree Prison, England has requested a transfer to a prison in the North of Ireland; if he will make representations on behalf of this prisoner to the British authorities; if he will raise the request at the Anglo-Irish Conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
This matter has been actively taken up with the British authorities on a number of occasions, most recently when I wrote to the Home Secretary on the 25 October last. The Government's representations in the case have been made directly to the Home Secretary and the Home Office; it is not, at least for the present, the intention to raise it at the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.
