Vol. 445 No. 9
82 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the recent release of two of the Ballymurphy seven and the fact that all seven were originally charged on the basis of uncorroborated confessions, he will press the case with the British Authorities for the immediate release of the remaining five who have been on remand for the past three years. [111/94]
The case of the Ballymurphy Seven has been raised with the British authorities through the framework of the Anglo-Irish Conference. Currently, three of the Ballymurphy Seven remain on trial. The other four defendants have been released.
Aspects of this case have been, and remain, a matter of concern to the Government. In all such cases, the Government has stressed to the British authorities the importance of ensuring that the rights of those in custody are fully protected and that those charged with offences are brought to trial with the minimum possible delay. In this regard, I am aware of the particular concern which has been expressed at the length of time which the defendants in this case have spent in custody on remand. I have brought the concerns which underly the Deputy's question to the attention of the British authorities.
