Vol. 450 No. 2
56 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will establish from the British authorities the reason the wife of a prisoner (details supplied) was refused a visit to her husband on 27 February 1995, at Belmarsh Prison, England after the visit had been officially cleared and she had travelled to see him: and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the difficulties which have arisen in this case, and had previously instructed that problems regarding visiting arrangements for the prisoner concerned should be raised by the Embassy in London with the British authorities. I was informed that the delay in permitting the visit to go ahead was due to the fact that construction work at the prison had not been concluded. I understand that this work has now been completed, and that the visit took place on 3 March.
I have consistently stressed to the British authorities the importance of facilitating contact between prisoners and their families, and have urged that arrangements, particularly for those who are required to travel long distances, should be as flexible as possible. I will continue to keep the situation with regard to the prisoner referred to by the Deputy under review.
