Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 4

Written Answers. - Compensation for Miscarriages of Justice.

Derek McDowell

Ceist:

84 Mr. D. McDowell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the British Government regarding the level of monetary compensation given to the former prisoners known as the Birmingham Six; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6745/96]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The grave miscarriages of justice which occurred in the cases of the individuals known as the Birmingham Six have been a matter of concern to successive Irish Governments.

The question of compensation for these miscarriages of justice and related losses is a matter which is being pursued by the individuals concerned and their legal advisers. I understand that in March 1995, following an assessment by the independent assessor dealing with the compensation claims, offers of compensation were made to the persons concerned by the British authorities. These offers were not accepted by those persons and I understand there has been contact since then between the relevant legal advisers and the British authorities which is ongoing at the present time.

It is to be hoped that the matter of compensation can be resolved to the satisfaction of the six individuals who suffered so grievously. I assure the Deputy that the Irish Embassy in London will, on my instructions, continue to monitor this case. While the question of the level of monetary compensation is being pursued by the legal advisers, the embassy will take the opportunity of an early meeting with relevant British officials to express again our hope for an early resolution of the issue.