Vol. 201 No. 6
asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to reports regarding proposed negotiations on an extradition arrangement between the Government of the Republic and the Government of Northern Ireland; if legislation is under consideration in this regard; if so, when it will be ready for the consideration of the Dáil; and if a full statement will be made on the matter.
66.
asked the Minister for Justice if he has plans to meet the Northern Ireland Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Brian Faulkner, M.P., in relation to an Extradition Bill; if he has been already in touch with the Minister concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
67.
asked the Minister for Justice whether discussions are taking place between officials of his Department and Northern Ireland Home Affairs officials on the subject of extradition; and, if so, whether such discussions are limited to the possible extradition of persons charged with criminal offences.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 66 and 67 together.
As already announced, the Government have authorised the drafting of an Extradition Bill which will include provisions for the reciprocal enforcement of warrants of arrest for criminal offences between the State and Britain and Northern Ireland. These provisions are on the general lines of the existing arrangements with Britain but they follow the normal extradition practice of not executing warrants for political, revenue, purely military or trivial offences.
The proposed arrangements are being made the subject of discussions at official level with the British and Northern Ireland authorities.
I am not yet in a position to indicate when the necessary legislation will be introduced but I am hopeful that it will be possible to have it ready for introduction in the autumn session.
Will the Minister say whether or not he proposes to meet Mr. Faulkner personally on this matter?
I do not imagine that will be necessary, but if at any time it appears that it would be advantageous for me to meet any of the Ministers of the Northern Ireland Government, I shall not hesitate to do so.
Has the Minister met him recently?
No.
Does the Minister not think this is a matter which should be discussed at ministerial level, as distinct from official level?
Will the Government of the Six Counties be described as the Government of Northern Ireland?
Does the Minister not think it would be better to have a meeting at ministerial level?
I am aware of the fact that the arrangements which we propose have been desired for some time by the Northern Ireland authorities and I am sure that the discussions at official level will be sufficient to make the necessary arrangements. However, if it transpires that such is not the case, I shall have no hesitation in meeting a member of that Government.
Is it not a fact that up to the present moment criminals on both sides of the Border are apprehended and returned?
No, that is not so. The position has been that since 1929, criminals in respect of whom Northern Ireland warrants have been in force——
I know what the law has been but what, in fact, has been happening?
What the Deputy suggests has not in fact, been happening.
Question No. 68 postponed.
