Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 8

Written Answers. - Temporary Release Application.

Dermot Ahern

Ceist:

200 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the refusal to allow a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 to attend an application for access to his children which was to be heard in the Courts of Justice, Chichester Street, Belfast on 10 to 26 February 1996 in an application regarding persons (details supplied) under the European Convention; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that the refusal to allow him to attend is contrary to the spirit of European agreements on Human Rights for Prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5451/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy is referring. Every application for temporary release by or on behalf of a prisoner is carefully considered on its merits. This case was no exception. The prisoner in this case is serving a life sentence for the murder of a member of the Garda Síochána.

The European Agreement to which the Deputy refers makes explict reference in Article 4.1 (b) of Appendix IV to the rights of member states to decline to facilitate attendance by persons under detention in proceedings of this kind.