The Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said that reports the Colombia 3 have returned to Ireland was welcome news.
"It will be a great relief to the three mens families and friends and I would hope that they can now get on with their lives," he said.
Responding to comments from DUP Deputy Leader, Peter Robinson, and Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, Mr Adams said "I want to make clear that this issue was not discussed with the Irish government nor was it either a deal or a side deal related to recent developments in the peace process."