Ireland's Justice Minister has refused to comment on the case of Noel Maguire citing "a long standing practice not to comment on individual cases".

However, as the Leagues Director of Information sets out below, the Ministers reticence may be more to do with his own sensitivity on the issue rather than any concern about case confidentiality.

"Eithne M. O'Donnell Minister's Office Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform 94 St. Stephen's Green Dublin 2

I note correspondence from your Department (dated 30th July) to the Celtic League General Secretary I have been asked to deal with this

I note your comment:

"It is the long standing practice of this Department not to comment on the cases of individual prisoners"

I think you will find that an examination of the records will show that your comment is disingenuous. The Celtic League have made representations over many years in respect of individual cases and (various) Departments of the Irish government have had no difficulty with this.

Obviously no serious NGO would expect a government Department to discuss sensitive individual data in relation to a detainee. However I think your response to our General Secretary is projected more at protecting Minister Lenihans sensitivities rather than ensuring confidentiality for the prisoner in question.

In any case any decision to raise a specific case such as the one in question is because there are general concerns over the failure by State parties to adhere to principles set out in respect of the treatment of all prisoners by the Council of Europe.

Is it little wonder that Irish prisoners are left to suffer mistreatment and abuse in British Jails when the Justice Minister demonstrates his ineptness by 'hiding behind' private office officials such as yourself.

Yours sincerely,

Bernard Moffatt"

The full text of the Justice Ministry letter referred to is set out below:

"From: Eithne M. O'Donnell

30 July, 2007

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am directed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Brian Lenihan, T.D., to refer to your recent correspondence concerning Noel Maguire who is currently serving a prison sentence in the United Kingdom.

It is the long standing practice of this Department not to comment on the cases of individual prisoners and it is not proposed to make an exception in this instance.

Yours sincerely,

______________ Private Secretary"

See earlier Celtic News items at:

(voir le site) (voir le site)

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

30/07/07

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