Vol. 482 No. 3
90 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has made representations to the British authorities seeking a change in status to category A for a prisoner (details supplied) who is the only remaining prisoner in the North categorised as exceptional high risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17797/97]
I have taken a close personal interest in the case of the individual named by the Deputy for some time and am acutely aware of the importance which he, his family and his support group have accorded to the issue of his security classification. I had a very helpful meeting with the support group on 21 October last.
Following this meeting, I instructed officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs to immediately raise his security classification with the relevant authorities, within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.
The security status of the individual was subsequently changed from top-risk to high-risk category. I warmly welcomed this decision, which will give him greater possibilities of obtaining compassionate and temporary leave. Indeed, the individual was recently given a number of days home leave. I very much welcome this development.
