Noel Dempsey
Question:78 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish citizens in foreign jails.
Written Answers. - Irish Citizens in Foreign Jails.
According to reports from our diplomatic and consular missions, there are approximately 1,000 Irish citizens in foreign jails. The great majority of these are in Britain.
Tony Gregory
Question:79 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received any response from the French authorities to his representations on behalf of an Irish prisoner (details supplied); if her request for a cell on her own has been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I understand that despite representations the French authorities have not to date acceded to the request made by the prisoner in question. However the Embassy is continuing its contacts with the French authorities in the matter.
An official of the Embassy visited the citizen in question earlier this week and discussed the situation with her. The Embassy has also spoken to the citizen's legal representative.