SERIOUS concern for the condition of republican prisoner Paddy Kelly, who is said to be extremely ill, has been expressed by the chairman of the Dail Committee on Legislation and Security, Mr Charlie Flanagan.
He has asked the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, and the Tanaiste, Mr Spring, to impress upon the British authorities the humanitarian issue involved and the need to allow an immediate transfer from Northern Ireland to Portlaoise.
"His family are most upset and concerned regarding his present state of health and continue to campaign to have him moved near them in Co Laois," Mr Flanagan said. "Paddy Kelly has only seen his three year old daughter twice since she was born."
The prisoners was serving a sentence in Britain for conspiracy but was transferred to Northern Ireland when his condition deteriorated. He is suffering from cancer.