asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the appeal of Deirdre Whelan, sister of Martina Shanahan, against the exclusion order served on her by the British Home Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - British Home Office Exclusion Order.
70.
I asked the British Ambassador to come to the Department of Foreign Affairs on 7 March in connection with the detentions of Irish people in London the previous weekend under the terms of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. On that occasion, I conveyed to the Ambassador my view that any exclusion orders against Patrick Shanahan or Deirdre Whelan would be particularly inappropriate on humanitarian grounds because of their regular visits to their sister.
Following the decisions taken by the British Home Secretary in relation to these cases on 8 March, I made clear that the Irish Government share the widespread and serious reservations about the use of exclusion orders under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. I also stated that the exclusion order in respect of Ms. Deirdre Whelan is a source of particular concern in view of the humanitarian considerations involved.
I understand that, as provided for under the terms of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, Deirdre Whelan has appealed her exclusion order to the Home Secretary. In the circumstances, I do not believe that it would be helpful to comment further on the case at this stage. The British authorities are fully aware of our concerns in the matter.