Vol. 426 No. 5
66 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concern about the safety of the convictions of persons (details supplied) in Belfast; if he has been in contact with the British Government about their case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the cases to which the Deputy refers and of the considerable concern to which they have given rise. For its part, the Government has raised these cases with the British authorities through the framework of the Anglo-Irish Conference and continues to keep the matter under close review. I understand that the cases are at present being considered by the British authorities and, in light of the widespread doubts that have been expressed about the safety of these convictions, I would welcome a decision to refer them back to the Court of Appeal.
