Gardaí have cast doubt on an assertion by Minister for Justice Michael McDowell that officers investigating the "Colombia Three" case are likely to visit the South American country, writes Mark Brennock, Chief Political Correspondent
A Government spokesman said Mr McDowell told the first Cabinet meeting since the summer break yesterday that such a visit was "probable". Minister for Enterprise Micheál Martin also said last night the Minister had told them it was "likely the gardaí will be going to Colombia".
A Garda statement suggested such a visit was less than probable at this stage, saying it was only among "many options" being considered. The Government spokesman said gardaí had been in contact with the Colombian police through Interpol. He said Mr McDowell had said it was "probable" this would be followed up by a Garda visit to Colombia.
But the Garda spokesman said: "Gardaí are conducting criminal investigations into possible passport and other offences. We have been in contact with other police forces. Many options are open to us including sending officers overseas."
Mr McDowell told Ministers a Garda trip was "probable" during a Cabinet briefing on the situation in relation to Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley and James Monaghan, who announced their return to Ireland on August 5th. The three went on the run before being convicted of training Farc guerrillas and sentenced to 17 years each.
The Government spokesman said Mr McDowell told Ministers "all options are on the table" regarding the three. He told them no extradition request had been received, however.
Lawyers say an attempt to have the men serve their 17-year sentences in Ireland would also be fraught with legal difficulties.