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Dáil Éireann - Volume 399 - 12 June, 1990 Written Answers. - Birmingham Six. Mr. Andrews Mr. Andrews 63. Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the British Home Secretary has indicated that the report of the Devon and Cornwall police into the West Midland police, in the case of the Birmingham Six, is not to be made available to the convicted men's solicitors; and the action he proposes to take in this matter. Mr. Andrews Mr. Andrews 64. Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will urge the British Home Secretary to publish the report of the Devon and Cornwall police into the West Midland police and the case of the Birmingham Six when the report becomes available. Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins) Gerard Collins 1951 [1951] Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins): I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 64 together. The Government, who are closely and actively monitoring all developments related to the Birmingham Six case, are primarily concerned that the conduct of the investigation by the Devon and Cornwall police should be thorough and comprehensive, and should be completed at the earliest possible date. This and all other aspects of the Birmingham Six case, including those raised by the Deputy, will form part of the on-going discussions with the British authorities on the case. Mr. Andrews Mr. Andrews 65. Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the case of the Birmingham Six before the end of the Irish Presidency of the EC with the EC Council of Foreign Ministers. Mr. Andrews Mr. Andrews 66. Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the need to raise the case of the Birmingham Six at every opportunity; and in this regard if he will send representatives to the forthcoming CSCE Conference in Copenhagen. Mr. Andrews Mr. Andrews 67. Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that the case of the Birmingham Six will be raised by the Irish Government at the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe which will take place in Copenhagen in June 1990. Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins) Gerard Collins Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins): I propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 66 and 67 together. The Government's view remains that the most effective way at present for them to work for a satisfactory conclusion of the Birmingham Six case is to pursue the matter directly with the British Government. In this regard, the Government have repeatedly and forcefully conveyed their views and their deep concern about the case to the British authorities. 1952 Ireland, as one of the 35 member states of the CSCE, is of course represented at the conference currently under way in Copenhagen. As I stated in reply to a [1952] question on 7 February last, it is not the Government's intention to raise the Birmingham Six case at the conference. However, the Government have, as appropriate, raised the case internationally, including at the Foreign Affairs Council in December last, following the transmission to the Council of a resolution on the case from the European Parliament. As stated previously, the Government are also always prepared to avail of other appropriate occasions, including during the present six month period, to raise the case bilaterally and otherwise. Dáil Éireann 399 Written Answers. Birmingham Six. Questions 19900612
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