Mary Harney
Question:116 Miss Harney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise an issue (details supplied) with the British authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16882/96]
Written Answers. - Compassionate Leave.
I am aware of the particular circumstances of the case to which the Deputy refers. A previous application by this prisoner for compassionate leave was refused by the relevant British authorities in late 1995 on security and jurisdictional grounds and remains the subject of ongoing legal proceedings. I can confirm that on my instructions, a further application by this prisoner for compassionate leave has been raised on a number of occasions in recent weeks with the relevant British authorities. Those authorities have now advised that it has been decided to refuse compassionate leave again for the same reasons.