asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is concerned at the recent statement by Cardinal Ó Fiaich that some Irish prisoners in English jails may be innocent; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Irish Prisoners in English Jails.
311.
I am fully aware of and appreciate the concern surrounding aspects of the cases referred to by Cardinal Ó Fiaich.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate to comment on judicial decisions handed down by courts of another jurisdiction.
312.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is concerned at the recent statement by Cardinal Ó Fiaich that many Irish political prisoners in English jails should be repatriated to prisons in the North of Ireland and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of several cases of hardship and inconvenience caused to the families and relatives of Irish prisoners serving sentences in British jails.
I have expressed to the British authorities my concern where such humanitarian problems have arisen in relation to individual prisoners and my desire that sympathetic consideration be given to applications for transfers to Northern Ireland were appropriate. I shall continue to do so as necessary in the future.
The Deputy will appreciate that decisions on such transfers are a matter for the British authorities.