Ray Burke
Question:22 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the action, if any, he is taking with regard to the issues of treatment, parole and transfer of prisoners from and within the United Kingdom. [14847/95]
Written Answers. - Treatment of Prisoners.
Ivor Callely
Question:65 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress, if any, regarding the question of release and conditions of paramilitary prisoners in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15153/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, and 65 together. The Government continues to be concerned about the situation of republican prisoners in British jails. Their health and welfare has been discussed on a continuous basis with the Home Office and the Prison Service in England and Wales. My Department has also kept in close contact with the families and legal representatives of a number of the prisoners in recent months. Officials of our embassy in London have made consular visits to the prisoners, most recently in Whitemoor prison last week.
The importance of addressing prisoner issues in a positive and forward looking manner has been underlined by the Government throughout the peace process. It is regrettable that difficulties still surround the treatment of prisoners, particularly in view of the significant role played by the prisoners in securing the ceasefires.
A number of Deputies are aware of the conditions faced by these prisoners at first hand. Issues raised as a result of visits by Members of the Oireachtas to the prisons in Britain in recent weeks have been raised by the embassy in London with the British authorities.
The European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons comes into force in this jurisdiction on 1 November. Discussions are continuing between officials of the Department of Justice and the Home Office to ensure that, once in place, the convention operates as effectively as possible. Given the importance of the prisons issue for the peace process, the Government would hope that all those who wish to be transferred can be facilitated as soon as possible. We have made our views on this matter known to the British authorities at the highest levels in recent weeks.
As regards the matter of parole, referred to in Deputy Raphael Burke's question, I am aware of the recent judgment in the case of five long-term prisoners, whose tariffs expired earlier this year. I understand that these cases are scheduled to be considered in December by the parole board. I hope it will do so, bearing in mind comments made by the judge in the High Court case.
I wish to assure the Deputies that the issue of prisoners will continue to receive priority attention from the Government in view of the humanitarian concerns for the prisoners and their families, as well as the central importance of this issue for the peace process.