asked the Taoiseach if, in his discussion with Mr. Callaghan last week, he raised the question of British withdrawal from the Six Counties.
2.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Talks with British Prime Minister.
1.
asked the Taoiseach if he raised the matter of the treatment of prisoners in (i) Long Kesh H Block and (ii) the women's prison, Armagh, when he discussed Northern Ireland with Mr. Callaghan last week; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
In the course of my meeting with the British Prime Minister in London on 27 November, we had a discussion on Northern Ireland as part of our regular review of the situation there. I have already informed the House of the main points which arose at our meeting in this regard.
During our discussion, I referred to our meeting in Copenhagen in April last and reaffirmed the views expressed by me on that occasion. The difference between us on the issue of unity remains.
In regard to the treatment of prisoners in Long Kesh and Armagh, I have nothing further to add to the replies given on 23 November last to the Deputy by the Minister for Foreign Affairs who set out the Government's attitude on the matter.
Would the Taoiseach give us an answer to either Question No. 1 or Question No. 2 rather than telling us what he has already informed the House? As far as I can recall, there was no mention of either of these matters.
Normally there is no mention of specific matters in reports to the House or outside the House, for example, by official press briefings on the details of discussions that take place at this level. It is long-established practice and a wise one, otherwise the value of these discussions would be diminished.
Can I take it that both these urgent and important matters were discussed? Is the Taoiseach of the opinion that British withdrawal is necessary before we can even begin to talk about peace in the Six Counties? On Question No. 2, is the Taoiseach aware of the dreadful conditions in Long Kesh and of the practice——
The Deputy is widening the question.
——of the use of drugs on prisoners in the female section of Armagh Prison which has resulted in some of them becoming drug addicts? One prisoner had to be released and is hospitalised at present as a result of the addiction created by this practice.
I agree with the Chair's observation that the Deputy has widened the question. He has not mentioned this aspect of the matter in his written questions. In regard to whether or not the details of the questions raised by the Deputy were raised with the British Prime Minister, I have nothing to add to what I have already said.