A week ago, a republican prisoner was taken out of Maghaberry 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, 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 the allegation was made that there was something in his stomach, and he has been in isolation since. This is a source of serious aggravation in the prison. Similar situations have arisen previously and were discussed at the justice committee in Stormont with the Independent Monitoring Board for Northern Ireland, so this is known to be a recurring issue in the prison. Will the Taoiseach raise this issue with the Minister of Justice in Northern Ireland to see whether we can resolve it, which I understand is a matter of interpretation, according to the report, and not a black-and-white issue?

First, I acknowledge the very good and important work Deputy Ó Cuív has done in this area over many years and appreciate the great support he has been on occasion in a variety of roles. In regard to the individual case, he will understand, not that he is asking me to, that I am not going to comment on the rights and wrongs of it here without full knowledge, but I will certainly ask the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to consider raising the matter in a way she views as appropriate and to revert to the Deputy directly.