asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding the arrest and internment of a Belfast mother of a young family (details supplied) whose husband is interned for some years and who is in urgent need of an operation for a serious condition.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Ireland Internee.
2.
The British Government are generally aware of our attitude on internment in Northern Ireland. It is not proposed to make representations in the case referred to.
Is the Minister aware that this woman is a quiet, decent person who was looking after her young children and that, following her husband's internment, the children were adopted financially by a group of charitable people in Athenry? That was about three years ago. Is the Minister aware also that she was arrested and attacked brutally at 6 o'clock in the morning? This woman is in need of an urgent operation for a serious kidney condition but from the Minister's answer it appears that he has made no inquiries in the matter.
Has the Deputy finished the question?
Perhaps he should have directed it to the medical profession.
This question is taking a long time, Deputy. We shall have to pass on.
She is a decent woman looking after her children——
That is a statement.
I have not very much education, but with all due respect "Are you aware?" sounds very much like a question to me.
The Deputy ought not to use the expression "Are you aware?" to make a statement.
If I am asked if I am aware of something to me that sounds like a question.
The Deputy must seek the information and not give it to the House.
I am asking for information. Is the Minister aware that this woman is a decent woman looking after her young children? The family were adopted for that reason by a group of decent people in Athenry, County Galway, who financed them, following her husband's internment. This woman was arrested at 6 a.m. She had no time to make arrangements to have somebody look after her children. Did the Minister ask any questions in relation to that?
I understand that the lady in question is at present held in Armagh Jail under an interim custody order. No direct approach has been made to the Department regarding her case and no medical evidence is available to us about her condition. If the Deputy is in a position to supply me with such medical evidence, I shall certainly have the matter considered.
Thank you.