Éamon Ó Cuív raises concerns over prisoner body scan and isolation
Éamon Ó Cuív raised concerns about the treatment of a Republican prisoner following medical scans and subsequent isolation at MacGabbery Prison. He asked the Taoiseach to raise the issue with the Minister of Justice in Northern Ireland to seek resolution.
Incident described
Ó Cuív recounted that a week earlier a Republican prisoner was taken out of MacGabbery Prison for an urgent medical appointment. A full body scan on the way out was clear; the prisoner was handcuffed to a prison officer, examined in hospital while handcuffed, and remained handcuffed at all times. On return to the prison another scan was carried out and it was alleged there was something in his stomach, and the prisoner has been in isolation since, Ó Cuív said.
Recurring concerns and oversight
Ó Cuív said similar situations have arisen previously and were discussed at the Justice Committee in Stormont with the independent monitoring board for Northern Ireland. He characterised the matter as a recurring issue within the prison system rather than a one-off incident.
Request to the Taoiseach
Ó Cuív asked whether the Taoiseach would raise the issue with the Minister of Justice in Northern Ireland to see if the matter could be resolved, noting that the question appears to hinge on interpretation rather than clear-cut rules.
Taoiseach's response
The Taoiseach declined to comment on the rights or wrongs of the individual case without full knowledge but said he would ask the minister to consider raising the matter in a way she views appropriate and to revert directly to the deputy.
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Thaiseach, a week ago a Republican prisoner was taken out of MacGabbery Prison for an urgent medical appointment. On the way out a full body scan was carried out and was clear. The prisoner was handcuffed to a prison officer and taken to the hospital where he was examined by medics. During the examination and afterwards and at all times the prisoner was handcuffed to a prison officer. When he returned to the prison another scan was carried out and they made the allegation that there was something in his stomach and he has been in isolation since. This is a source of serious aggravation in the prison. I would point out that a similar situation or similar situations have arisen previously and they were discussed at the Justice Committee in Stormont with the independent monitoring board for Northern Ireland. This is known to be a recurring issue in the prison. My question is, will you raise this issue with the Minister of Justice in Northern Ireland to try to see can we resolve this issue, which I understand is a matter of interpretation according to the report and not a kind of black and white issue. First, I want to acknowledge the very good and important work Deputy O'Keefe has done in this area over many years and to appreciate the great support that he has been on occasion in a variety of roles. Firstly, to say that in relation to the individual case, you will understand, not that you are asking me to, but I am not going to comment on the rights and wrongs of it here without full knowledge, but I will certainly ask Minister McEntee to consider raising the matter in a way she views appropriate and to revert back to you directly. Thank you very much Deputy. Thank you. Thank you.
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