asked the Taoiseach if he will now make a protest on behalf of the Government against the arrest and imprisonment of Liam Kelly, M.P.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern M.P.'s Arrest.
I invite the Deputy's attention to the replies I gave to questions addressed to me on the matter in this House on the 26th November last. I regret that there is nothing that I can add to those replies.
I wonder could the Taoiseach say, as far as he is aware, whether there is any elected representative of the people in prison in any democratic country in Europe outside this particular case?
So far as I know there is not, but my knowledge is not sufficiently extensive to be sure.
In view of that, does the Taoiseach not consider it would be desirable to give some indication of the attitude of the Irish people towards the arrest and imprisonment of this elected representative of the people?
My desire is not to do things which would only be humiliating in the long run. I know nothing more humiliating than an ineffective protest.