Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 21 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 6

Written Answers. - British Judicial Review.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

82 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans, if any, he has to discuss with the British Prime Minister the convictions by the British judicial system in view of recent revelations indicating that contaminated Government equipment was used to support prosecution cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10301/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I am aware of the recent announcement by the British Home Secretary that evidence of contamination has been found at the Forensics Explosives Laboratory, at Fort Halstead, Kent. The contamination, involving a component of semtex, raises the possibility that the convictions of a number of IRA prisoners on explosives charges in Britain since 1989 may be affected.

The possibility that any person might be convicted on the basis of doubtful evidence is obviously a cause for grave concern. I note that an immediate independent inquiry into the procedures and casework of the laboratory has been ordered.

I intend to raise our concerns about the implications of these revelations with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland during the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference meeting on 22 May 1996. In view of the gravity of the issues involved, I will be seeking assurances that this review and any subsequent referrals to the Court of Appeal which may prove necessary will proceed in an expeditious manner.