Vol. 477 No. 2
231 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice if she will give details of the tariffs referred to in a letter (details supplied) dated 18 March 1997; her views on the contents of this letter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8958/97]
The person referred to in the question is serving a number of life sentences in the UK. The administration of the sentences is a matter for the authorities there. All persons serving life sentences in the UK have a tariff in their case determined by the Secretary of State of the day. The tariff is the period to be served by the offender in order to satisfy the requirements of retribution and deterrence. In the case of the offender referred to in the question it is my understanding that no tariff has yet been set by the Home Secretary.
I have no comment to make on the question of visiting arrangements as these are a matter for the Home Secretary and the prison authorities in the United Kingdom to determine and administer. I can only suggest, if the Deputy has not already done so, that he might raise this matter with my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, whose responsibility it is to look after the interests of Irish citizens imprisoned abroad.
