Vol. 434 No. 3
91 Miss Harney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the allegations of mistreatment of a person (details supplied); and if he has satisfied himself that fair procedures, which are entitlements of Irish people in Britain under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, are in place in relation to detention, imprisonment, isolation, hand-cuffing and strip searching; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I can assure the Deputy that I am fully aware of the details of the case to which she refers. An officer of the Embassy in London visited the person in question while in prison in Durham. A number of complaints were made about aspects of the person's detention and these were raised with the British authorities by the Embassy. My Department will continue to keep in close touch with developments in this case.
The Deputy can be assured that the Government monitors closely all aspects of the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act as it affects the Irish community in Britain and Irish citizens travelling to and from Britain. The British authorities are fully aware of the Government's views with regard to this legislation and of our concern that it should be applied in an even-handed manner. I have instructed that the Embassy in London should continue to monitor developments in individual cases and to maintain close contact in this area with the British authorities.
