Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing us to raise this matter. The issue of the prisoners in Maghaberry Prison has been long neglected and is getting very little publicity. We are not talking about the political views of these prisoners, but the human rights conditions in which they have been held for quite a while. I will discuss the case of Marion Price, while Deputy Pringle will speak about two other prisoners.

Until February, Marion Price was held practically in solitary confinement in an all male prison. She has now been moved to a so-called health centre, which I do not believe is addressing her health issues. There are questions about the lawfulness of her detention and the term "administrative internment" is also being used. She was re-arrested when she was out on bail on the order of the Secretary of State, so I think there are issues here about the independence of the Judiciary.

I followed up on prisoner rights and human rights issues for prisoners in China, Iran and Bahrain recently, and then I discovered that this was an issue just 100 km up the road. I tabled a question to the Minister for Justice and Equality in January, who told me that the Tánaiste was in discussions with the Minister of State in Northern Ireland. I then followed that with two questions to the Tánaiste and the gist of his response was that the situation was being monitored. More definite detail is needed on this. What exactly is going on? Does the Tánaiste feel that he has role on a prisoner rights and human rights issue up the road in Northern Ireland?

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