The Tánaiste knows my concern about the treatment of republican prisoners in Maghaberry Prison and it is a long-term concern. I bring to his attention the case of a Dermot Burke, who is in prison in Maghaberry at present. He was arrested in January and has been held in solitary confinement since. During that period he has been scanned 18 times by an X-ray body scanner and he has had no visits from family. They keep saying that something is being secreted within his body. Can urgent representations be made by the Government to the authorities on the need to allow independent medical supervision of the next scan in order that we can get to the bottom of this particular case? I would suggest, for example, that the International Red Cross could provide that independent medical supervision because it has the capability to do so.

I know of the work the Deputy is doing on prisoners' issues and I would generally acknowledge that. I will talk to my own Department officials to raise this issue on the particular prisoner Deputy Ó Cuív has referred to and the fact that there has been such extensive scanning. We have over the years made representations in respect of Maghaberry Prison and I will revert to the Deputy.