asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the situation whereby Irish citizens imprisoned in Long Kesh prison in Northern Ireland and prisons in Britain are being denied basic human rights and if he will raise the matter with the British Government.

It is the policy of the Government to do all in their power to ensure that Irish prisoners in Long Kesh and in prisons in Britain are at all times treated in a manner consistent with their basic human rights and that they are enabled to avail themselves of the rights and facilities accorded to prisoners generally in a manner free from all discrimination. To this end the Government make every effort to have the fullest and most reliable information that can be obtained on all aspects of the situation. Where it is considered that the facts warrant it, the cases of individual prisoners in both Long Kesh and prisons in Britain are raised with the British authorities. Any prisoner or his immediate family who feel that the conditions of imprisonment are such as to warrant intervention on his behalf should raise the matter with me directly or through the Irish Embassy in London.

In view of the recent visit of the Cardinal and Bishop Daly of Derry to Long Kesh to try to break the deadlock would the Minister not be more positive than in the reply he has just read out?

I will continue to be very positive.

Would the Minister tell the House what he intends to do by being positive?

I have indicated in my reply that any cases brought to my notice are followed up assiduously by me or by my officials in my Department or the ambassador in London.

Would the Minister bring the matter up with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland?

I certainly will. I will always continue to bring it up.

Will the Minister impress on the Secretary of State that the deadlock must be broken? It should be put on record that I do not share the stand that those men are taking but they are human beings. It has got to a stage now where some side has got to stand down.

The Deputy is making a statement now.

Will the Minister try to break the deadlock?

I will raise the matter as suggested by the Deputy.