Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Prisoner Transfers.

Conor Lenihan

Question:

206 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise, with the Northern Ireland Secretary, the case for a prison transfer for two persons (details supplied) in order that they can be closer to their families in Scotland. [9485/98]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

I am aware that the specific question of securing a transfer for these two persons to a prison in Scotland was raised at the recent plenary meeting of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body in Ballyconnell, County Cavan by a British member. A number of the Irish members of the body expressed support for such a transfer on humanitarian grounds.

On my instructions, this matter has since been raised with the British authorities via the Anglo-Irish Secretariat. They advise that the persons in question have not, in fact, applied to be transferred to a prison in Scotland to date. The Deputy will be aware that the two persons are currently pursuing legal action relating to the review of their sentences.

The Government strongly support the principle that, wherever possible, prisoners should be permitted to serve their sentences close to their families. We have made this clear within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. This principle should apply to the two persons referred to in the same way that it should apply to all prisoners who make transfer requests. Should they make a transfer application we are ready to confirm this position as appropriate to the British authorities.

The Government will also continue to underline the importance of all cases of this kind in Northern Ireland being treated with rigorous impartiality, both as regards the due process of law and any executive decisions which may be taken in relation to sentences handed down by the courts.