Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 2

Adjournment Debate. - Prisoner Release Campaign.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

195 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) currently held in a prison in England, having been convicted of murder, if he has satisfied himself that the British legal authorities conducted the case properly; if he believes the person to be the victim of a miscarriage of justice; if he will meet representatives of a campaign organisation; and the representations he has made to the British Government asking for the person's case to be re-opened as a matter of urgency. [18278/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen):

This case is being closely monitored by my Department. The person in question has been visited by a diplomatic officer from the embassy in London and the embassy is in regular contact with his solicitor.

Last October, I met with members of his family and supporters of the campaign for his release. I assured them that my Department would continue to provide every possible consular assistance. I understand that the person is pursuing an appeal against his conviction. I will continue to follow the case closely and I will review the position when the appeal procedure has concluded.