Since the judge's decision in the case was announced on 26 April, officials from our embassy in Mexico, which is also accredited to Colombia, have been in close contact with the Colombian authorities, as well as with the Dutch Ambassador, who is representing our interests, and the Irish Honorary Consul in Bogota.
In all its contacts, the embassy has made clear the importance we attach to ensuring the men's safety, particularly during any time they may spend in the country between leaving prison and returning to Ireland. The Colombian authorities have assured us in response that they share our concerns in this regard, and will provide the men with security for this period. In addition, both the Taoiseach and I have sent personal messages to the Colombian President and foreign minister respectively reiterating the desirability of facilitating the men's early departure from Colombia as the best way of ensuring their safety.
The current position is that the Colombian Attorney General has lodged an appeal against the judgement in the case. The men's lawyers have made a petition to the judge to allow them to leave the country after their release from prison. The judge's decision on this petition is currently awaited. I assure the Deputy that, as from the start of this case, the Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to do its utmost to ensure the safety and well-being of the three men.