80 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give details of his recent contacts with the British authorities in relation to the ongoing extradition proceedings facing Róisín McAliskey. [14735/97]

I have made the Government's humanitarian concerns regarding Róisín McAliskey's case known to the British authorities within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. I have emphasised that it is important that it be handled with the utmost sensitivity. I raised the case personally with the Secretary of State, Dr. Mo Mowlan, at the meeting of the Conference held in London on 18 July 1997.

I will continue to raise our concerns on all appropriate occasions and have instructed our embassy in London to monitor the case very closely on an on-going basis.

I am concerned to ensure that Ms McAliskey is treated in a humane fashion, that she continues to receive any medical attention she requires, and that the needs of her daughter are fully taken into account.

Ms McAliskey is at present on bail and her situation was due to be reviewed at a court hearing today which is being attended by an official of our embassy on my instructions.

I am conscious that what she is facing is an extradition request and that she has not had the opportunity to defend herself against any charges. A decision on the extradition request is, of course, a matter for the relevant British authorities.