Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had contact with the American authorities regarding the recent violent death of a person (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the concern and interest which this case has generated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23242/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the tragic death of the person referred to by the Deputy and would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family concerned. I raised the person's death in my meetings in Washington on 3 October with the US Secretary of State, Dr Condoleezza Rice, and with Senator Edward Kennedy, who is the Senator for the area in which she resided.

In addition, since receiving news of the tragedy, officials from my Department have been in direct contact with the US authorities in Dublin and in Washington to express the Government's interest in the case and to seek assurances that the circumstances surrounding the death will be fully investigated. Officials also attended the funeral wake in the Boston area.

The US authorities have informed us that they are in direct and ongoing contact with the family and that a detailed investigation has been ordered. I understand that this investigation may take quite some time to complete. I am assured that the family will be entitled to receive a copy of the findings once the investigation is concluded.