Vol. 508 No. 1
91 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent armed attack on the Irish ambassador to Nigeria; if he has satisfied himself that security precautions for Irish embassy staff abroad are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17953/99]
Late in the evening of 17 July there was an attempted armed robbery outside the official residence of the Irish ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Joe Lynch, who was returning with his wife from the airport. The attempt was foiled by a member of the Nigerian police force. Neither the ambassador, his wife nor any of the Nigerian security personal present was injured.
On learning of the incident, the Minister immediately had the Department undertake, in consultation with the ambassador, a review of the security arrangements at the residence. Consequently, the perimeter security and the physical security arrangements within the compound were further upgraded. Ambassador Lynch also had discussions with the police authorities with a view to improving the level of police protection provided. These security measures have since been kept under continuing review. Any further measures which prove necessary will be put in place.
