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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Feb 2002

Vol. 547 No. 3

Written Answers. - Prisons Service.

Question:

332 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) to transfer to a prison in Ireland to complete his sentence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3447/02]

The Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons requires extensive documentation to 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, from the authorities of both jurisdictions and from the prisoner concerned. On receipt of those consents, assuming they are forthcoming, an application must 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 required under the convention and must be adhered to in processing each application.

I can confirm that my Department has received the formal application for transfer of the person referred to in the Deputy's question from the United Kingdom. It is currently being considered by the law officers to ensure that the requirements of the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act 1995 and 1997 are satisfied. I await their advice in the matter. Unfortunately, it is not possible to say how long it will take for this application to be processed. However, I assure the Deputy that every effort continues to be made to complete the process as quickly as possible.
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