asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the most degrading conditions to which women prisoners are subjected in Armagh prison, e.g., forcibly strip searched when going to Mass, and, specifically if he is aware that some of these prisoners (details supplied) are on remand with no evidence against them, other than the word of informers; if he is concerned at this situation; if he will express concern to the British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Deputy's question relates to two issues — the strip searching of prisoners in Northern Ireland and the use of informers. Both of these matters have been raised with the British authorities. The contents of such discussions are kept confidential.

Is the Minister satisfied with the response of the British Government to the representations made by the Irish Government in this regard?

It is not customary to state what is raised or the response of the British Government when matters of this nature are raised. All I can say is that the matters were raised. I cannot go further than that at this stage.

Does the Minister consider that the issues referred to in my question amount to degrading treatment? If, having made representations to the British Government, that treatment does not cease, would the Minister consider recommending to the Government here that the issues be raised at the European Court of Human Rights?

I certainly considered the matters raised in the Deputy's question to be extremely serious and an indication of this is that I have raised them with the British Government. I would have to reserve my position on what action I would take subsequent to that.

Could the Minister indicate that it is the intention of the Government to take further action on these issues?

The Deputy can take it that if we have any evidence of activities which we consider to be of a serious nature we will raise them with the British Government and try to get a change in their attitude.

Would the Minister agree with Cardinal Ó Fiaich's statement that strip searching of women in Armagh Prison is a degrading custom and say whether he has given any diplomatic support to Cardinal Ó Fiaich's representations?

It is not customary to say what takes place when matters of this nature are raised with the British Government. The fact that I have raised these matters with the British Government indicates how seriously we take both these issues.

Would the Minister say whether he agrees with Cardinal Ó Fiaich's description of this practice as being a degrading custom?

Yes, I do.