THE 11 republican prisoners in Full Sutton Prison, York, visited by a Labour Party delegation yesterday, expressed frustration at the delay in repatriating prisoners to Ireland to serve out their sentences.
The delegation, of Deputies Joe Costello, Tommy Broughan and Declan Bree and Senator Sean Maloney, spent over four hours in the prison with the prisoners.
Among those the politicians met were Michael O'Brien, Padraig Mac Uloinn and Derek Doherty, whose transfers are believed imminent.
Mr Costello said last night they were particularly concerned about the conditions of four high risk category prisoners.
"They are locked up for 21 hours a day and don't get outside at all. Their caged exercise area has a perspex roof and a grille. They complained that lights are switched on in their cells up to 18 times a night, disturbing their sleep. They have no family visits as they will not accept closed visits with no physical contact allowed," he said.