Birmingham Six case
The Taoiseach said the case for reopening the Birmingham Six convictions was compelling, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs had sought a meeting with the British Home Secretary. He confirmed he had not yet raised it with the British Prime Minister and would consider further representations after that meeting.
asked the Taoiseach if he intends to raise the matter of the Birmingham Six with the British Prime Minister when he meets her at the European Council meeting in Strasbourg.
Comment on this
As I said in the House last week, I believe that, following the release of the Guildford Four, the arguments for reopening the Birmingham Six case are now so persuasive that they are impossible to withstand.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs has sought a meeting with the British Home Secretary to discuss the case. This will take place in the near future. As the situation develops, the Government will consider what further representations should be made on behalf of the Birmingham Six and at what level these should be conveyed.
Comment on this
From the Taoiseach's reply, am I correct in understanding that the Taoiseach himself has not yet taken the matter up with the British Prime Minister and that he is awaiting the outcome of the meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and his counterpart before he decides on what action to take himself?