Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Oct 1985

Vol. 361 No. 1

Written Answers. - Transfer of Prisoners.

16.

Mr. Cowen

asked the Minister for Justice the frequency and cost of the transfer of prisoners from Portlaoise and other prisons to Dublin for court hearings in the past five years; the number of occasions in which cases were not called; and if he has plans to deal more efficiently with such cases.

Limerick East): The information required as to the frequency and cost of transfer of prisoners to Dublin for court hearings is not readily available. To compile such information would require a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources. Information in respect of such transfers from Portlaoise during 1984 was compiled with considerable difficulty in response to a previous question from another Deputy which was subsequently withdrawn. It emerged that there were 121 transfers from Portlaoise to Dublin for court appearances during 1984 at a cost of the order of £250,000. Cases are always called when a person in custody is brought from prison for a court hearing. However, on occasions, for reasons outside the control of the court, a trial may not proceed after the case is called.

Top
Share