Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 November 2004
45 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts made to assist efforts to secure the release of a person (details supplied) and two colleagues in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30094/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI know that all Members of the House were delighted to learn yesterday of the release of Ms Annetta Flanigan and her two fellow UN workers in Afghanistan. I conveyed the enormous sense of relief felt by all the people of Ireland to Annetta's family yesterday.
I wish to take this opportunity to record my appreciation for the work of the Secretary General of the United Nations and his staff, as well as that of the Afghan Government. Their great efforts have been rewarded with the return of Annetta to her husband José and to her family in Armagh, with whom my Department has been in contact during these difficult weeks.
The Government followed this case very closely since learning of the abduction on 28 October last. My Department was in ongoing communication with the United Nations, both in New York and Kabul. We also liaised with Archbishop Robin Eames, who has been a great source of support to the family.
This happy event brings to mind the tragic outcomes of other recent hostage cases. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Ken Bigley and Margaret Hassan at this time.
