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Northern Ireland Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2015

Tuesday, 3 March 2015

Questions (462)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

462. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he will accede to this Deputy's request for a meeting on behalf of this Deputy and on behalf of other Teachtaí Dála and Senators, who regularly visit prisoners in Northern Ireland; the reason for the delay with this meeting, despite numerous requests, and in view of the heightened tensions in the prisons there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8758/15]

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Written answers

I approach prison issues in the North with great seriousness and am very conscious of the increase in tensions in Roe House, Maghaberry Prison over recent weeks. I have discussed these issues with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with a member of the Independent Assessment Team, which undertook the stock take of the August 2010 agreement between prisoners and the Prison Service. I have also spoken with the Northern Ireland Minister for Justice David Ford regarding prison issues, including in the margins of the recent negotiations on the Stormont House Agreement.

My officials in the Belfast Secretariat are in regular and continuing contact with their counterparts in the Northern Ireland Office, with officials in the Northern Ireland Prison Service, and a range of other relevant parties to seek to ensure that the prison dispensation in the North is safe, dignified and equitable for both prison staff and for prisoners, and they have been keeping me closely informed of developments.

I am conscious of the Deputy’s long-standing interest in prison issues and am happy to meet him to discuss the matter. I have asked my office to make contact with the Deputy to arrange a mutually suitable time for a meeting.

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