asked the Minister for External Affairs if he has received a communication from Dublin Corporation regarding political prisoners in Belfast and Britain; and if in view of the peaceful state of the country he will now make representations to the Six-County Minister for Home Affairs and to the British Home Secretary for the release of political prisoners in their charge.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Political Prisoners.
8.
I have received the text of a resolution passed by the Dublin Corporation at its meeting on 2nd July.
I would welcome the release by the British and Belfast authorities of those imprisoned during the campaign of violence which took place over the past few years. I do not think, however, that formal representations by me would be appropriate.
I could understand the Minister's attitude if there were still a campaign of violence and I can understand his attitude in regard to Belfast, but I cannot understand his attitude in regard to the British Home Secretary. He could be more amenable to reason and, at least, charity. There are two men doing life imprisonment who have been in prison for seven years.
This is argument.
Just to finish the argument—James Doyle of Bray and Donal Murphy of Dublin. Is the Minister aware that at least two men are in Britain and would he not make representations to the British Home Secretary, even if he forgot about Belfast for the time being?
I have nothing to add, a Cheann Comhairle.
I did not hear the answer.
I have nothing to add to what I said to the Deputy.
I will address the same question next week to the Taoiseach. Maybe he will do something.