asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of a serious assault on a prisoner (name supplied) in the Curragh Detention Centre in December 1977; the circumstances in which the assault took place; if anybody has been charged in connection with the matter; and the steps that are being taken to prevent such occurences in the future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Assault on Prisoner.
27.
On 22 December last a civilian prisoner in military custory in the Military Detention Barracks, Curragh Camp, was assaulted by a number of other prisoners and as a result he suffered some superficial wounds to his head and neck. He was treated by an Army medical officer but did not require hospitalisation.
Charges have not been preferred against anybody in connection with this matter up to the present. Every effort is made at all times to ensure that incidents of this nature do not occur.
Have any additional steps been taken to ensure that assaults of this nature will not occur, particularly where the authorities should have been aware because of the rather reprehensible charge with which this man was convicted, that he would be in danger of such an assault?
I have examined the circumstances surrounding this case and have issued instructions that certain matters are to be attended to and they have been undertaken. I expect the Deputy will accept that it is not proper for me to go into detail.