International Relations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016

Friday, 16 September 2016

Questions (858)

Seán Crowe

Question:

858. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the demands of Kurdish political leaders, who have called on the Turkish Government to grant a family member, lawyer or political delegation immediate access to the prison on Imrali Island to visit and ascertain the health and well-being of a person (details supplied); and his views on whether the Turkish Government should show some leadership and basic humanity and allow the family and lawyers to visit the person. [26299/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. I am pleased to say that I have been informed that a family member and the person’s legal representative visited the prisoner on 11 September, during the Eid al–Adha festival. I also understand that the hunger strike referred to by the Deputy was called off on 12 September.

The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture visited Turkey earlier this month and I know that the delegation raised with the relevant authorities issues relating to the situation of this person and other prisoners currently held at Imralý Prison.

I would like to reiterate my call to all parties concerned in the Kurdish issue to return to dialogue so that the political process to resolve this issue can be resumed.

Question No. 859 answered with Question No. 848.