62. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is she aware of the campaign by descendants and relatives of prisoners of war, including Irish men, on the Japanese transit vessel, the Suez Maru, for an apology from the British Government for the cover-up of and failure to prosecute those involved; if she has engaged or will engage with the British Government to seek such an apology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56572/26]

I understand that descendants and relatives of those who died aboard the Suez Maru have pursued a campaign in the UK to request an official inquiry by the UK government. The campaign is directed towards the UK authorities and seeks, among other things, an apology from the British government in relation to its post-war handling of the case, including decisions concerning the investigation and prosecution of those responsible. This is a matter involving decisions taken by UK authorities in the post-war period, and therefore falls within the responsibility of the British government.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has not received requests from Irish families to engage with the UK government on this matter, and has not raised the issue in its bilateral contact with the UK.

The Government recognises the profound suffering endured by prisoners of war and their families, as well as the importance of remembering those who lost their lives, and preserving the historical record for future generations.