Finian McGrath
Ceist:196 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the Miami five case with the US authorities; and if he will work with other states in highlighting their plight. [39458/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 14 December 2005
Ceisteanna (182, 183, 184, 185)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:197 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the refusal to grant a visa to a person (details supplied) with the US Government so they can visit their spouse. [39459/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraAengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:198 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the refusal to grant a visa to a person (details supplied) with the US Government so they can bring two children to visit their spouse. [39460/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraAengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:199 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the refusal to grant a visa to a person (details supplied) with the US Government. [39461/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 to 199, inclusive, together.
The case to which the Deputies refer relates to five Cuban citizens who were convicted in the US in 2001 on charges ranging from espionage to first degree murder. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta overturned the 2001 convictions on 9 August 2005 and ordered a retrial based on new evidence. The Miami District Attorney duly filed an appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeals, and the court has set aside the week of 16 February 2006 to hear arguments from both sides.
As I have previously informed the House on a number of occasions, the Irish Government has no standing in this matter, which is a bilateral consular question between the US and the Cuban authorities. Visa applications from members of the families of the accused in order to visit the accused are also a matter for the US authorities, and it would not be appropriate for me to raise the matter with those authorities.