Vol. 344 No. 9
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will protest in the strongest terms against the practice of strip searching of women prisoners which has been introduced by the British authorities at Armagh Jail, since this constitutes inhuman and degarding treatment contrary to Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
303.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received a copy of correspondence addressed to Mr. James Prior, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, from the Irish Missionary Union regarding the very serious abuses in the treatment of women prisoners in Armagh Prison; and the immediate action he proposes to take on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 302 and 303 together.
I am aware that the prison authorities in Armagh introduced the practice of strip searching of prisoners on leaving and entering the prison. I have also received a copy of the correspondence to which Deputy Fitzgerald has referred. The Government are concerned about the effects of this practice and have made known their views to the British authorities.
