Vol. 476 No. 5
60 Miss Coughlan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) who was previously detained at Maghaberry Prison and is now in Long Kesh, Northern Ireland. [7723/97]
I am familiar with the case of the individual to which the Deputy refers and am aware that, along with other prisoners on temporary transfer to Northern Ireland, he was transferred from Maghaberry Prison to the Maze Prison in September last.
My Department has monitored his case for a number of years. The individual is currently on a temporary transfer to Northern Ireland which is subject to review every six months. To date, the transfer has been consistently renewed. It was most recently renewed in February of this year for a further six months.
Our embassy in London has had contact with the British Home Office, who are responsible for temporary transfer prisoners in Northern Ireland, on a number of occasions regarding the individual's applications for compassionate parole. I understand he was last granted compassionate parole in October 1996.
I understand that the individual has made a number of applications to have his transfer made permanent. However, his applications have been refused to date. The Government has consistently indicated to the British authorities its view that all transfers to Northern Ireland, including this case, should be made permanent.
I assure the Deputy that this case continues to be monitored closely by my Department.
