Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 617: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances of a person (details supplied) who has been a missionary in Kenya for 23 years and who is currently facing charges in Kenya along with 22 others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25726/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am very aware of the case that the Deputy has mentioned. The person mentioned by the Deputy was arrested on the morning of 12 August in Kitale, Kenya in connection with a public land rights protest against the alleged grabbing of a public park by private investors. He was held in custody until 15 August when he was released on bail.

The Department of Foreign Affairs was notified of this incident on the afternoon of 12 August and immediately contacted the Honorary Consul in Nairobi and certain EU embassies. The honorary consul is monitoring the case, and remains in contact with the Catholic Diocese in Kitale and human rights organisations in the area. The Department has offered consular assistance to the individual concerned through his religious order in Dublin.