Vol. 475 No. 1
240 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice if she will accommodate the transfer to Portlaoise from an English prison of a person (details supplied) in view of the Transfer of Prisoners Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4455/97]
The person referred to in the question has declared his interest in transferring to a prison in this jurisdiction. However, a formal application from the United Kingdom authorities has yet to be received. The consent of the UK authorities to the transfer is essential before the transfer can take place.
On the question of transfers, the Government has consistently emphasised its support for the principle that, whenever possible, prisoners should be permitted to serve their sentences close to their families.
