Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 1

Written Answers. - Hunger Strike.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

122 Miss Coughlan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the Northern Ireland Office and the Home Office regarding the case of a person (details supplied) who is on hunger strike in order to reinstate his rights with regard to legal and personal visits and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18261/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. Matters relating to it have been raised through the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on a number of occasions, including the issues raised by the Deputy.

The individual in question was recently involved in a hunger strike which lasted for 15 days. He ended this protest on 4 October last. It is my understanding that, following discussions involving the prison authorities, the concerns which prompted this action and which are referred to by the Deputy have been satisfactorily resolved. I assure the Deputy that I will continue to monitor developments in this case.