Letter: Jailed IRA suspect and her baby

Sir: The suggestion ("IRA suspect to be handcuffed during birth", 13 February) that Roisin McAliskey is to be handcuffed during the birth of her child is completely untrue.

The Prison Service made clear in January 1996 that women would not be handcuffed during childbirth. Appropriate security arrangements will always be put in place, but once a prisoner goes into hospital for the purpose of giving birth, any restraints are removed until such time as the prisoner is moved from the hospital back to prison.

This policy applies equally to Roisin McAliskey.

RICHARD TILT

Director General

HM Prison Service

London SW1