Costello not to travel for Colombia Three trial
A group of parliamentary representatives is to travel to Bogota to visit three Irishmen linked to guerrilla activity to ensure the men receive a fair trial.
Labour's parliamentary party voted not to send Mr Costello, who was on the original delegation, arguing that a Government delegation would be sufficient.
Mr Costello said he regretted the decision and rejected suggestions that the decision was linked to a bid to distance themselves from Sinn Féin.
The visit is being organised by the Bring Them Home campaign, which represents the families and supporters of three Irishmen detained in Bogota. Deputies on the trip are paying their own way.
The cross-party group includes: Senator Paul Bradford (Fine Gael), John Curran TD (Fianna Fáil), Sean Crowe TD (Sinn Féin), Finian McGrath (Independent) and Senator Mary White (Fianna Fáil).
Fine Gael Senator Paul Bradford said the decision to participate in the visit was taken purely on humanitarian grounds.
"We're duty bound to ensure that the men are being treated in a fair and humane manner. We have been asked by the families to examine the situation at first hand and we will do that."
Fianna Fáil TD John Curran, who will be making a personal contribution towards the cost of the visit, said that he was also concerned over the conditions the men were being forced to live in.
Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley and James Monaghan have been detailed in Colombia's notorious El Modelo jail since August 11, 2001, after they were arrested on suspicion of collaboration with FARC guerrillas.
The guerrillas are waging war on the Colombian government but lawyers for the Irishmen claim their clients will not be able to get a fair trial because their case is linked to the US fight against international terrorism and its support for the Colombian government.
The parliamentary group is to visit the three men in Bogota and observe the opening of the trial of the men in just over two week's time.
The group has also requested meetings with senior members of the Colombian government, the prosecution and defence teams, the UN High Commission for Human Rights Office and the International Red Cross.
The Bring Them Home campaign says international attention is vital to ensure the safety of the men who, they say, are housed in one of the most dangerous jails in Colombia.
Gerry Monaghan, brother of the jailed James Monaghan, said there were major barriers towards getting a fair trial but thanked the Oireachtas group for its help.
"We're very concerned about Jim, Martin and Niall. There is no safe place in Colombia for them.
The three families would like to thank the TDs and senators for travelling to Colombia," he said.
