asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give details of any further action he intends to take on behalf of women prisoners in Armagh women's prison.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Armagh Women's Prison.
11.
Deputy Gregory is aware, from replies to his written questions which I gave last week, that I consider the practice of strip searching in Armagh prison to be degrading and that I take a very serious view of it.
He is further aware that the matter has been raised with the British authorities on several occasions and that I keep it under close review.
I would not consider it appropriate to give details of any further action I might take but the Deputy may rest assured that if there is any specific incident which he feels should be pursued I would be happy to give it my attention.
Does the Minister agree that, as he has made repeated approaches to the British Government on behalf of women prisoners in Armagh prison, and as there has been no positive response from the British Government so far and as the strip searching of women, even women prisoners on remand, still continues unabated, without any reduction whatever, he should pursue this matter on behalf of these prisoners in the Court of Human Rights?
The Deputy is not correct when he says there has been no abatement. My information is that the practice has been reduced considerably since I started making representations.
Could the Minister substantiate that statement and give details?
No.
My information is that even women on remand in Armagh women's prison, who are there solely on the evidence of paid perjurers and informers, are subject to regular strip searching. Could the Minister give any details to substantiate his statement that there has been a positive response from the British Government? I am not aware of it.
No, I will not give details for reasons which should be obvious to the Deputy. I did not say the practice had been eliminated; I said it had abated.
It appears that the Minister is abdicating his responsibility in the matter. If the practice of strip searching of women prisoners in Armagh prison continues without abatement, would he consider at some stage taking the matter to the Court of Human Rights?
I do not think that enters into it. I am not the only person involved who could do that. Any individual could take this matter to the Court of Human Rights. At present, I am satisfied that my representations are having an effect and I will keep the matter under close surveillance in the future.