177 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions which have been taken by the Government on behalf of the two Irish citizens who are currently in custody in France (details supplied). [8602/02]

My Department, through the Irish Embassy in Paris and our honorary consul in Antibes, has been involved in this case since the arrest of the two Irish citizens concerned. We will continue to monitor it closely, and remain ready to provide all possible consular assistance to the Irish citizens concerned and to their families, in accordance with their wishes. The Deputy will be aware that one of the citizens involved was released on bail on 7 March.