asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any inquiries have been made regarding the welfare of an Irish citizen (details supplied) held in a British jail for the past 11 months; if arrangements can be made to have an official of the Irish Embassy visit him in response to his request for help and advice; if legal assistance, if necessary, can be made available to him; and if a request can be made to the British authorities that his wife and family be permitted visits of at least an hour duration given the journey and expense involved in visiting him.
Written Answers. - Irish Prisoner in Britain.
31.
My Department are aware of this case and, through the embassy in London, has been in contact with the British authorities about the welfare of the person concerned.
The embassy has been of assistance in making arrangements for members of the person's family to visit him and will take up the question of the duration of visits by family members if the family makes that request. If the person requests a consular visit by an officer of the embassy, the request will be given full consideration.
The question of legal advice and assistance is a matter for the person himself. I understand he has access to a solicitor. He is also entitled to apply to the British authorities for free legal aid.