My Department has received a number of representations about this case. We have raised our concerns about the matter with the British Government through the framework of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on a number of occasions. In October 2000, we were informed by the British authorities that the individual to whom the wallet belonged was a serving member of the Royal Irish Regiment and that he had been subjected to internal disciplinary proceedings. According to the information received, the matter was investigated by the military police who reported that the individual in question had no subversive links. As a result, the RUC was not asked to become involved in the case. We were also informed at that stage that the investigation had been concluded.
In light of further representations, we have once again raised this matter with the British authorities. We have been informed that the Police Ombudsman is investigating a complaint about the police action in this case and that the British Government will not comment further until this investigation is complete.
We will continue to monitor developments in this case.