AN interpreter proficient in the right dialect must be present at the next hearing when two Filipino seamen appear on drugs importation charges, a judge has ruled.
Before Ennis district court were Mr Danilo Arca (45), a pump operator, with an address at Luna Street. Naic Cavite, and Mr Ronaldo C. Fernandez (31), a sailor, of Golden Street, Anastaccia Village, Marikina, both in the Philippines.
Both were members of the crew of the Front Guider, a Colombian vessel which brought a cargo of coal to the Moneypoint ESB Station.
They appeared on charges arising out of their part in the alleged importation of cocaine, previously valued at £40 million, at Moneypoint, Co Clare, on August 14th.
Judge John Neiland was concerned that in the case of an indictment, the defendants could be liable to a maximum of 15 years imprisonment.
"I do not want a situation to arise in two or three months down the road when the book of evidence is ready, that the defendants can say that they did not understand the language," he said.
The case had been adjourned for one week to enable Ms Norita Berry, an interpreter and a Colombian national, who is married to an Ennis schoolteacher, to attend. She said that when she spoke to the two defendants in Spanish they replied in English.
The judge asked one defendant "what month of the year is it?", and he replied "August".
Supt Gerry Kelly (Kilrush), for the State, said to the judge: "He has given you the answer." Judge Neiland replied: "I have to be sure that the two defendants know what is going on."
Supt Kelly said: "We have had this problem before and a suitable interpreter had, to be brought over from London.
The defendants were remanded in custody to Limerick jail and are to appear at the Ennis court at 11 a.m. on September 6th.
There was no application for bail. Legal aid had been granted when the defendants told the last hearing that they had no money. Judge Neiland agreed to an application for a junior and senior counsel to represent the defendants.