Question NW318 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
31 March 2016 - NW318
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2583 on 4 August 2015, the Government has taken any further action to secure the release of Mr Stephen McGowan; if not, (a) why not and (b) what are the relevant details of the action that the Government intends to take in order to secure his release; if so, (i) what are the relevant details of the further action the Government took in order to secure his release since her reply and (ii) when is he expected to be released?
Reply:
a) Yes, Government through various Departments has continued to engage the Government of Mali to seek its assistance in securing the release of Mr Stephen McGowan.
(b) (i) Government will continue its Diplomatic efforts through its Bilateral Operations and in Multilateral Fora to drum up support for and seek assistance in securing the release of Mr Stephen McGowan.
(ii) It is not possible to set timeframes regarding the outcome of efforts being employed to seek the release of Mr Stephen McGowan.