Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 243: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the Miami Five case in the US; and if he will raise this matter with the US Government. [13925/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The case to which the Deputy refers relates to five Cuban citizens who were convicted in the US, in 2001, on charges ranging from espionage to first degree murder. A panel of three judges from the 11th circuit court of appeals in Atlanta overturned the 2001 convictions on 9 August 2005 and ordered a retrial based on new evidence.

The Miami district attorney duly filed an appeal against the decision of the 11th circuit court of appeals. The appeal was heard on 14 February 2006 and the decision is expected shortly.

As I have previously informed the House on a number of occasions, the Government has no standing in this matter, which is a bilateral consular question between the US and the Cuban authorities. Consequently, I do not intend to raise this matter with the US Government.