Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Technical Group wishes to express how appalled it is at the atrocity in Pakistan, which is particularly horrendous in the way it targeted young people in education.

My question also relates to Northern Ireland. We are familiar with the unresolved issues of flags, parades and legacy issues, as well as the recent issues of finances and economics. However, one issue is conspicuous by its absence, although a number of Senators and Deputies have been pursuing it for a number of years through meetings with the Northern Ireland Minister for Justice, Mr. David Ford, MLA; the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms Theresa VIlliers, MP, and other authorities in Northern Ireland. That issue is prisoners in Maghaberry Prison which we have visited a number of times. We are all totally opposed to violence and our interest in and engagement with the prisoners is because of our commitment to protect the human rights of all prisoners in every jurisdiction. One of the issues is strip searching which continues, despite all of the technological advances made. There are some particularly horrendous examples; for example, a prisoner in Maghaberry Prison was handcuffed to a warder in order to attend a hospital appointment. Although the appointment was cancelled before he left the prison, he was strip searched before being returned to his cell. We have other examples of prisoners who when appearing in court are handcuffed the whole time, but who nonetheless are strip searched when they return to prison. It is one of the most degrading and humiliating experiences for a prisoner. There are other issues regarding controlled movement, the isolation of prisoners, health care and education. It all led to an 18 month dirty protest by republican prisoners. We have also met loyalist prisoners with similar issues regarding health care and controlled movement.

In the past eight years there have been investigations and reports with recommendations that have not been implemented, leading to the most recent stock take. When we visited in August, there were expectations among the prisoners we met that the stock take would lead to real change. Approximately three weeks ago, we returned and there was disappointment at the lack of real progress on the issues raised. Have the issues relating to prisoners and their rights ever been addressed at any of the meetings? If not, will the Taoiseach ensure they are addressed in the interests of a conflict-free environment in prison and society?

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