Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 5

Written Answers. - Temporary Release Refusal.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

197 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice the reason a person (details supplied) of the Training Unit, Glengarrif Parade Dublin 7, was not released in order to attend court in Belfast on Monday, 26 February 1996 in connection with an application under the European Convention concerning access to his daughters particularly in view of the fact that he was previously released in order to attend court outside this jurisdiction; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this refusal goes against the spirit of the European Agreement relating to persons participating in proceedings of the European Commission and the Court of Human Rights; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4924/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

Every application for temporary release by or on behalf of a prisoner is carefully considered on its merits. This case was no exception. The prisoner in this case is serving a life sentence for the murder of a member of the Garda Síochána.

The European Agreement to which the Deputy refers makes explicit reference in Article 4.1 (b) of Appendix IV to the rights of member states to decline to facilitate attendance by persons under detention in proceedings of this kind.