We have just been informed via a phone call from a POW that Sinn Fein are having a meeting with POWs in Maghaberry.

The meeting is taking place in a classroom on the republican wing.  The Sinn fein representives are Raymond McCartney, John O Dowd, Caral Ní Chuilin, Paul Maskey  and Michael Culbert.

They are meeting with: Colin Duffy, Liam Campbell, Turlough McAllister, Brendan McConville and six other POWs.  No further details are available at this time.

Later on this evening Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams confirmed that the delegation did meet with republican POWs in Maghaberry today.

Mr. Adams said:

“The situation in Maghaberry is giving cause for serious concern.  I have spoken to the Minister of Justice David Forde on this matter and raised my concerns with him. And I intend meeting him again on this.  Prisoners have rights which must be protected. They are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity. The delegation visiting Maghaberry will report back to our Assembly group. I am also inviting relatives of prisoners and their organisations to meet with us to discuss this issue.”