An exchange on prisoners

THIS is what happened in a Dáil debate on Wednesday night, according to the transcripts.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett (addressing Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Disability Issues Finian Mc Grath TD): “I do not doubt the Minister of State’s personal commitment on disability; he has a long record on it. However, I believe he is a prisoner of Fine Gael on this issue.”

Sinn Féin Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: “I caution the Minister of State, as a prisoner of Fine Gael . . . Their record of dealing with their prisoners is horrific.”

Deputy Finian Mc Grath: “I know.”

Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: “They executed them by the dozen, so the Minister of State should be very careful.”

Deputy Finian McGrath: “I take Deputy Ó Caoláin’s point.”