Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

This is a legally difficult and complex issue. The concerns referred to in this question have been raised with me by the Pat Finucane Centre and other human rights non-governmental organisations. Following receipt of these concerns, I discussed the issue with the Secretary of State on 27 April last. He told me that the process which led to the detention of the woman in question fully adhered to the law. I was informed that advice was sought from an independent body to verify that the action was pursued in a correct manner. The Northern Ireland Office has confirmed that a royal prerogative of mercy was given to Marian Price on 30 April 1980. It has advised that this pardon was granted in respect of a sentence of 20 years for conspiracy to cause an explosion and not in respect of the sentence of two terms of life imprisonment related to the Old Bailey bombing. On 22 February last, this contention was upheld by the Parole Commission, which ruled that the prisoner is subject to life licence in respect of the two life sentences. Further legal avenues remain available to appeal this decision. I believe the prisoner's legal representatives are exploring these options. I am aware of concerns that have been raised regarding the health of the prisoner, both in terms of her initial incarceration in Maghaberry Prison and her subsequent transfer to the women's ward of Hydebank Wood Prison. I have been informed that every effort is being made to make the prisoner comfortable. I have been advised that a medical expert has requested an assessment visit. I have asked to be informed of the outcome of that visit. In the meantime, my officials are in regular contact with the authorities in Northern Ireland, human rights non-governmental organisations and others close to this case.

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