Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - International Criminal Tribunal.

Jim Mitchell

Ceist:

166 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the risks which witnesses to the Hague tribunal for the wars in former Yugoslavia lay themselves open to once they have given evidence, as protection is only granted to witnesses while they are giving evidence, but not thereafter; if it is his intention that Ireland will become involved in the witness protection programme in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13053/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I am aware of the risks which some witnesses at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia – ICTY – lay themselves open to by acting as witnesses in cases before the tribunal. ICTY has been in touch with a number of Governments, including Ireland, concerning participation in a witness relocation programme. The purpose of this programme is to relocate temporarily the small number of witnesses for whom the risk of returning to their former home is very great, to the territory of a state outside the former Yugoslavia as a means of protection.

I am looking at the possibility of Ireland responding positively to the request of ICTY. Participation in the scheme raises a number of issues which involve other Departments. Consultations with them are currently in progress.