Vol. 562 No. 4
215 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the prohibition on former prisoners in the Six Counties from being granted road service operators' licences; and if he will make representations to the British authorities to have this changed in order that former prisoners are enabled to gain employment in this area. [6346/03]
My Department has discussed this matter on a number of occasions with interested ex-prisoner welfare groups, as well as with the British Government through the British-Irish Secretariat in Belfast.
In the past, the British Government has indicated that this is more properly a devolved matter. However, we are seeking further clarification on its thinking through the framework of the British-Irish Secretariat. I will revert to the Deputy as soon as we have received a response.
