andMr. L'Estrange asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on the H-Block protest.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - H-Block Protest.
1.
The Government have on a number of occasions made known their concern about the humanitarian aspect of the H-Block situation and, immediately before the present hunger strike, conveyed to the British Government their anxiety over its serious implications. The Government will continue to keep in close touch with developments and are prepared to support any initiative which would offer a reasonable hope of ending the present dangerous situation.
Taking account of the position maintained consistently by all Governments in this State of refusing to negotiate under threat of hunger strike, will the Taoiseach join with the Leader of the SDLP and myself in calling on the hunger strikers to call off their protest so as to create an opportunity for discussions to take place on any outstanding humanitarian issues that may be involved?
I have nothing to add to what I have said in reply to the question, that is that the Government are prepared to support any initiative which would offer reasonable hope of ending the present dangerous situation.
I regret the attitude taken by the Taoiseach on this issue.
Has any representation been made by the Government to the British Government since the start of the hunger strike?
No, not since it started.