Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the UN statement. Ireland adheres to and supports international human rights law and respects the rights of individuals to refuse food if they so choose. For example, forced feeding would not be resorted to were a prisoner to go on hunger strike in Ireland. Forced feeding violates the fundamental rights of an individual to be treated with inherent dignity. We will continue to have the issue discussed with the US authorities. When I next have the opportunity, I will mention the issue again to the Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry.

See this speech in context