Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Prisoner Transfers.

John McGuinness

Question:

1388 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department will expedite the repatriation process in the case of a person (details supplied) in England as the application was granted in April 2002 and is not finalised; the normal timeframe for such a procedure; and the reason it takes so long. [16499/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):

I can inform the Deputy that an application to the High Court will be made shortly by the State legal officers for a warrant authorising the applicant's transfer and continued detention in this jurisdiction.

The Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons imposes obligations on each state in a transfer to exchange extensive documentation prior to a decision being made on the application. Collation and consideration of this documentation can take some time. Under Irish legislation, it is a further requirement that a High Court warrant be obtained to authorise transfer and continued detention in this jurisdiction. On average, it now takes 20 months to process an inward transfer application, from date of receipt in Ireland to the actual date of transfer.

Upon receipt of a High Court warrant, every effort will be made to ensure that the actual transfer takes place as soon as possible.