Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 1995

Vol. 455 No. 1

Written Answers. - Release of Prisoners.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

14 Mr. Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans, if any, he has to follow up with the British Government recent remarks to parliamentarians at Westminster on the need to address the issue of prisoners made on behalf of the Government. [9279/95]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Government has consistently emphasised to the British Government the importance of prison issues in the context of the peace process, and the need to respond positively to the new situation in the aftermath of the paramilitary ceasefires.

It is against this background that the Government, having regard to the reduced threat to the community, agreed to the release of a number of prisoners in this jurisdiction.

The Tánaiste has devoted particular attention to these matters, including the question of release and prison conditions, in the discussions which he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in the framework of the Anglo-Irish Conference.

The Taoiseach also raised these issues in several recent discussions with the British Prime Minister, Mr. John Major. Both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have availed of recent visits to London to brief the British Opposition parties on the Government's concerns.

There are a number of areas within which the Government sees scope for progress towards early and orderly releases from prisons in Northern Ireland. An increased rate of remission for long term determinate sentence paramilitary prisoners is one obvious step which, it is believed, would have an immediate and positive effect. Another area where the Government would hope to see movement is in the review arrangements for life sentence prisoners. We have also urged the British authorities to consider a more flexible approach to parole arrangements, including in cases of compassionate parole where family members or other relatives are seriously ill. Some recent changes in compassionate parole arrangements announced by the Secretary of State are a step in the right direction.

The Tánaiste is continuing to keep the situation of prisoners in England under close review, and has urged the British Government to approach prison issues and specific cases with care and full appreciation of the importance which these matters also have in the wider context of the peace process.

The Deputy can be assured that the Government will continue to follow closely developments in this area, and will ensure that they receive careful attention in the continuing discussions with the British Government.