Plans to care for Irish prisoners abroad

A REPORT on Irish prisoners abroad has recommended the establishment of a special unit within the Department of Foreign Affairs to deal with the consular needs of such inmates.

The report also called for the establishment of a register of prisoners abroad and a hardship fund.

Speaking at the launch of his report in Dublin yesterday, former Fianna Fáil TD, Chris Flood, said a budget of €200,000 for such a fund could be used to assist prisoners and their families in particularly difficult cases. He also recommended that Irish prisoners in foreign jails should receive a consular visit at least once a year and twice in “more difficult or distant” countries.