Vol. 509 No. 1
102 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the discussions, if any, his Department has had with the British Home Office to consider the repatriation of three convicted prisoners (details supplied) to complete their prison sentences here; the outcome of any such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19724/99]
The persons concerned have applied for transfer to serve the balance of their sentences here. However, their formal applications have yet to be received from the United Kingdom authorities. Following representations made by my Department, the UK authorities advised that they are in the process of collating the necessary documentation and reports required and, when that has been completed, they expect to be in a position to forward their applications for my consideration.
I should point out that the convention on the transfer of sentenced persons requires that extensive documentation be exchanged between both jurisdictions in order to allow an application to be fully considered. A three-way consent is also required to enable any transfer to take place i.e. from the authorities of both jurisdictions and from the person concerned. On receipt of those consents – assuming they will be forthcoming – an application must then be made to the High Court for a warrant authorising the transfer of the person concerned and his-her continued detention here.
These procedures are as required under the convention and must be adhered to in considering any application. Unfortunately, it is not possible to say how long it will take for these applications to be considered. However, I can assure the Deputy that every effort will be made to complete this process as quickly as possible.
