Vol. 501 No. 3
313 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the representations, if any, he has received on behalf on the British Government in relation to the remaining IRA prisoners detained in Portlaoise jail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5774/99]
Twenty of the 50 subversive prisoners held in Portlaoise were transferred to this jurisdiction from Britain under the Transfer of Sentenced Persons legislation. Under this legislation and the convention to which it gives effect, the consent of both Governments and the individual concerned is required before a transfer can take place. Likewise it is a requirement that the integrity of a sentence must be maintained. All parties are informed of the likely effect on a sentence of a transfer.
In the context of possible releases under the Good Friday Agreement, there are ongoing discussions with the British Government on all aspects of the implementation of the Agreement, including prisoner releases.
