Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is true to say that if one does not go forward, one goes backwards. That has been our experience in this case. In many ways, the character of the prisoners has been tested beyond belief. We do not understand how they have remained as patient as they have. We are glad the Minister agrees with us that full body searches are completely unacceptable. Like the Minister, we have been told it is not going on in the same way as it was before. Our information, however, is that it is. It is not good enough for the authorities to say that after five years, they are looking at alternative technology. That does not add up when similar prisoners in Portlaoise are not subjected to full body searches. There are other alternatives such as swabbing, dogs, the BOSS, body orifice security scanner, chair and so on. There is no need for this cruel, unacceptable and degrading treatment.

All the evidence shows that the processes are being used to drag out the situation, to fail to implement any meaningful changes and deal with the issues at the heart of the prisoners' complaints. If that continues, it can only destabilise the situation further.

That is not just our view but that of all of the neutral or independent bodies who have tried to assist in this process. All of their efforts have been stymied which, in fairness to them, they put at the door of prison management in Northern Ireland, which is incredibly dangerous. The Minister has an important to role to play in terms of keeping these issues on their plates.

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