Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to evidence that the imprisoned Kurdish leader, Abdullah Ocalan, has been poisoned and is being continuously held in solitary confinement in breach of his human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10453/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the allegations referred to by the Deputy that the imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Oçalan is being poisoned. These allegations were made by his lawyers who claimed they had evidence that he was being systematically exposed to toxins that could endanger his life. In response, I understand that the Turkish authorities arranged for Oçalan to be examined by a team of medical experts who found no evidence to support the allegations. While it is understood that Abdullah Oçalan is held in solitary confinement, the Turkish authorities have emphasised that he benefits from regular medical checks, as with other prisoners, and has shown no sign of serious illness.

As the Deputy may be aware, there have been some calls for the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment of the Council of Europe to carry out an investigation of the poisoning allegations. The Committee has previously been in touch with the Turkish authorities several times concerning this case, and has sent delegations to visit Oçalan on a number of occasions since his imprisonment in 1999. They have indicated however that they do not see any need to send a delegation to Turkey to study these particular allegations. The Embassy in Ankara and the Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe will continue to monitor developments in this case.