A COMPASSIONATE approach to calls for the transfer of a republican prisoner suffering from cancer in a Northern Ireland jail would serve the cause of peace, the Tanaiste, Mr Spring, told the Seanad yesterday.
The case of Paddy Kelly, currently serving a lengthy sentence in Maghaberry prison, Co Antrim, should, be addressed urgently both because of its potentially damaging impact on confidence and for the basic humanitarian reasons outlined by members of the Oireachtas in recent days.
The Government, would continue to urge such an approach on the British authorities, Mr Spring assured the House.
The case for Kelly's transfer on compassionate, and humanitarian grounds to Portlaoise prison near his home, was pressed by Mr Dan Neville (FG) who said this should be done as a humanitarian gesture and as a signal of good intent towards the peace process.
Mr Neville said he had been told yesterday that Mr Kelly was now on pain killers for his cancer. He had had blood tests taken on Thursday. The doctor who had carried out the procedure was not happy and more tests were being taken yesterday.
I think nothing is being served by the British Home Office in not responding in a humane way," he said. "The republican prisoner issue has a key role in the peace process.