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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 6

Written Answers. - British Justice.

Austin Deasy

Question:

30 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether there is apparent discrimination against the Irish in Britain by members of the police and judiciary in that country; and if so, the action, if any, he intends to take in the matter.

Godfrey Timmins

Question:

55 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any discussions with his British counterpart as regards the application of justice where Irish citizens in Britain are concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Godfrey Timmins

Question:

63 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will insist, at the next meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Council of Europe, that the investigation of cases where there is well-founded evidence to the effect that Irish nationals have been mistreated in British prisions and/or detention centres, the investigation into and where necessary, the prosecution against policemen and/or prison officers will be conducted by members of the judiciary from a third member country.

Austin Deasy

Question:

77 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had discussions with his British counterpart regarding the application of justice to Irish citizens in Britain, in particular about the imprisonment and alleged brutal treatment of some Irish people in detention and in prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 55, 63 and 77 together.

It has been the policy of successive Irish Governments to ensure that the legal process is applied to Irish citizens in Britain, or travelling through Britain, in an even-handed manner. The British authorities are fully aware of the Government's views in this regard and the importance it attaches to ensuring that the rights of Irish citizens are fully upheld. Where abuses are alleged to have occurred, these are raised with the relevant British authorities through the Embassy in London and such other channels as may be appropriate in the circumstances of the case.
The Government will continue to monitor closely developments in this area. I have no plans at present to raise these matters at the next meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Council of Europe and I do not think that it would be appropriate to do so.
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