Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 16 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 1

Written Answers. - Detention of Prisoner.

Dermot Ahern

Ceist:

54 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the continued detention of a person (details supplied) as a category A prisoner in Belmarsh prison, London; if he will have arrangements made to ensure that his interests are looked after and for a representative of his Department to be present at the forthcoming hearing of his case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I can confirm to the Deputy that I am aware of the details of the case to which he refers. The embassy in London, in discharge of its consular responsibilities, has been in touch with the British authorities about this matter and is also in contact with the legal representatives of the person concerned and with members of his family. Arrangements have been made for an embassy official to make a consular visit to the individual concerned later this week.

The embassy in London will continue to monitor closely developments in this case, and should it be judged necessary consideration will be given to having an official of the embassy present during the trial proceedings.