Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 516: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will continue to intervene with authorities in India in respect of a prisoner (details supplied) in order that the case may be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20203/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The person to whom the Deputy refers was arrested in 2004 at Mumbai Airport and charged with drug trafficking offences. Following his trial he was sentenced to ten years in prison. I understand that the individual alleges that he confessed to the charges under duress and is appealing the guilty verdict. He is currently detained in prison in Rajasthan pending the hearing of his appeal. No date has yet been set for this appeal.

The person concerned travelled to India on a British passport. Therefore he is considered to be a British citizen, under law, by the Indian authorities and they will only engage with the consular mission of that country.

However, on my instructions, our Embassy in New Delhi has written to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to highlight our interest in his case. The Ambassador and other diplomatic staff in our Embassy have also remained in contact with the British High Commission in India and have been assured that all appropriate consular support is been provided. The British High Commission also informed the Embassy that they have attended throughout to his rights to legal representation and to fair and prompt due process.

The Deputy should also be aware that our Embassy in London has made known our interest in his case to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and has been in direct contact with his mother.