Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 2

Written Answers. - Release of Prisoners.

Seán Haughey

Question:

63 Mr. Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts, if any, the Government is making to ensure the release of Irish republican political prisoners from jails in the United Kingdom; if he will ensure the transfer of those prisoners to the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland under the terms of the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16694/95]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

Over the past year, the Government has consistently emphasised to the British authorities the importance of moving forward on the issue of prisoners in a flexible and constructive way, taking into account the part played by prisoners from both communities in making the ceasefire possible and lasting. We have taken our own steps in this regard in a number of ways, including the early release of 36 prisoners. The legislation recently introduced to restore 50 per cent remission for paramilitary prisoners in Northern Ireland is a further helpful development, which I hope can be built on in the period ahead.

The Government remains very concerned, however, about the situation of the prisoners in Britain. I have underlined our concerns on this issue repeatedly, both in the House and more generally. Several Members of the Oireachtas have visited prisoners in Britain and know of the many serious complaints which I and my Department have been dealing with in recent months. The health of a number of the prisoners in Britain has been our primary concern in that time, particularly so in the case of two prisoners engaged in a protest at Whitemoor Prison.

I welcome the fact that the two prisoners have in recent days been recategorised and moved out of the special secure unit at Whitemoor. I understand that this move will bring the protest to an end. The Irish Embassy in London will pursue its contacts with the British authorities regarding the health of both prisoners and other issues of concern to them.

As Deputies will be aware, the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons came into force on 1 November. The Government believes the possibilities offered by this convention should be used flexibly and constructively in regard to the remaining republican prisoners in Britain. Discussions have been taking place between British and Irish officials to draw up procedures for the effective implementation of the convention provisions on transfers to this jurisdiction. The Government has made clear that we stand ready to agree to the transfer of those republican prisoners who wish to be transferred to this jurisdiction.

The convention does not apply to transfers from Britain to Northern Ireland. However, I am aware that 18 prisoners have to date been transferred from British prisons to Northern Ireland. The Government believes that republican prisoners who wish to transfer from prisons in Britain to Ireland, North or South, should be facilitated and we will continue to pursue this matter with the British authorities.