Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I take on board what the Deputies said. I will speak to the Tánaiste about the matter. He spoke to the Minister for Justice, David Ford, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Owen Paterson, in April. I will bring the issues the Deputies raised to the Tánaiste's attention.

I do not propose to discuss the individual cases the Deputies mentioned. I appreciate the necessity to take early action regarding the medical situation referred to. I hope there can be an early resolution to these matters. We do not want to go back from the Good Friday Agreement. There is still dissident activity in Northern Ireland and in the prison context, but we want to get overall agreement. I understand the authorities in Northern Ireland are seeking to get that agreement.

I will speak to the Tánaiste about the matter and encourage him to bring his good offices to bear to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

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