Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

This House has a very honourable tradition in the matter of promoting human rights. We have monitored and responded to human rights abuses and humanitarian crises throughout the world. I bring to the attention of the House a humanitarian issue nearer to home. The highly respected human rights champion, Monsignor Raymond Murray, has brought to our attention the plight of Ms Marian Price who has been kept in virtual isolation in a Northern prison for the past 12 months. She is very sick and still carries the scars of the terrible trauma she suffered all those years ago when she was a young woman. The Good Friday Agreement and all that has flowed from it have released an extraordinary spirit of generosity and a shared vision for all the people on the island. That spirit of generosity could be extended in this case to Ms Marian Price. No purpose can be served by her continued incarceration. She is a danger to no one at this stage. I would ask the Leader to request the Taoiseach to use his good office to see if something can be done to effect the release of Ms Price. She must get proper medical attention. She needs to be back with her family. I am convinced that if we can get the correct response to what I am raising here, it can only enhance the positive results which have already come from the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process. I hope the Leader will avail of the opportunity to accede to my request.