asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations regarding the position of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 who was arrested in Belfast, charged with rioting and membership of Fianna Éireann, which is not illegal in the Republic of Ireland but illegal in Northern Ireland, and as allegations have been made that he suffered injuries while in custody before being transferred to Millisle, County Antrim, and has been remanded from week to week with no trial date being arranged; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Detention of Person in Custody.
63.
I have made inquiries about the detention in custody in Northern Ireland of the person referred to by the Deputy.
I have been informed by the British authorities that the individual in question was arrested in Belfast on 10 May last and appeared at Belfast Juvenile Court on 11 May. He was charged with membership of Fianna Éireann and with riotous behaviour and throwing a petrol bomb on the Falls Road on 10 May. Remanded in custody, he appeared in court again on 15 May and 22 May and is scheduled to appear again on 29 May.
I have been informed that he is being detained at Lisnevin training school at Millisle. On arrival there, he was offered the opportunity to contact a solicitor. He did so and one is acting for him. I have also been informed that on his arrival he was given a medical check by nursing staff, that he was seen by a doctor on the following day and that senior staff have no reports of any injuries to him or of any complaint to this effect made by the individual himself.
I have asked to be given an indication of his likely trial date.