Vol. 488 No. 2
106 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has recently raised with the British Prime Minister and the German Chancellor the position of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4709/98]
The Government have repeatedly raised our deep humanitarian concern about the situation of this person and her baby with the British Government. The Taoiseach raised the matter directly with Prime Minister Mr. Blair when they met on 26 February 1998.
I have continued to pursue our concerns with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and, through the London Embassy, with the responsible British authorities. As I indicated to the House in reply to Questions Nos. 9 and 15 of 11 December 1997, I have also spoken to the German Foreign Minister, Klaus Kinkel, about this person's situation and received a reply from him recognising the humanitarian dimension to the case. My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has also been in contact with the British Home Secretary in the matter.
On my instructions also, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the London Embassy have been monitoring this person's health and circumstances very closely. An Embassy official most recently visited her in hospital on 16 February 1998. In the aftermath of this visit, I remain very seriously concerned about her health and have again conveyed my deep anxiety to the British authorities. I also spoke to her legal representative yesterday and to her mother today, with both of whom I had a detailed meeting in Dublin some time ago.
I understand that the British Home Secretary may shortly be making a decision on the application for extradition of this person. In arriving at his decision, my firm hope is that the Home Secreary will take fully into account the extremely strong humanitarian dimension of this case. I will be staying in the closest contact with all aspects of the case in the period immediately ahead.
