John Ellis
Question:83 Mr. Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations, if any, that have been made by his Department regarding the parole and transfer of a person (details supplied). [6713/96]
Written Answers. - Transfer of Prisoner.
I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. The prisoner in question is of advanced age and has a medical condition. He received a 16 year sentence in 1987.
I understand his case was considered by the Parole Board in March 1995 but it was decided not to recommend him for release on licence. A further parole review commenced in January 1996 and information obtained by the Irish Embassy in London from the relevant British authorities is that the average time taken to carry out the review is 26 weeks before a decision is notified.
With regard to the issue of his transfer, I understand this person's application is currently being considered by the British authorities and it is expected that his application papers will be referred to the Department of Justice in the near future. I reiterate the Government's position that we stand ready to receive those republican prisoners who have applied for transfer to prison here under the terms of the Convention of the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
The person in question was visited by an official of the Irish Embassy in London in recent months. He has also been visited this year by members of the Oireachtas. The Irish Embassy has made representations in his case previously. On my instructions, his case will be among those raised again in the near future at a meeting between officials of the embassy in London and the relevant British authorities.