Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2008
544 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the sequence of events regarding arrest, conviction and conditions of early release regarding a person (details supplied); if this person is unlawfully at large; if extradition proceedings are outstanding against this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25905/08]
View answerWhile there is no person matching the exact details provided by the Deputy, subsequent contact with the Deputy's office and further information provided has identified a non-Irish national who appears to be the person referred to. On 8th April 2008 the person referred to was arrested following an attempted burglary in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. He was remanded in custody and was sentenced at Bruff District Court on 1st May 2008. The court imposed two consecutive terms of three months imprisonment, suspended on certain conditions.
On 5th May 2008, the person referred to was again arrested in Macroom Co. Cork for offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and Immigration Regulations. This man was committed to Cork Prison on 7 May, 2008 on foot of a warrant issued at Listowel District Court to commence the six month prison sentence. He received an additional 2 month sentence on 21 May, 2008 in Macroom District Court for the offences for which he was arrested on the 5th May, 2008.
This person was granted temporary release for one week on 4 June, 2008 subject to conditions including a requirement to sign on daily at a Garda station, to reside at a particular address, to keep the peace and to be of sober habits. He returned to the prison on 11 June, 2008 where he was again granted a period of temporary release consisting of one week's duration. He failed to return to custody as required and was deemed "at large" on 18 June, 2008. The Gardaí were subsequently notified of his status and he is therefore liable to arrest and immediate return to prison custody.
In relation to extradition proceedings, I am unable to provide the Deputy with the information sought since to do so could have the effect of alerting the person concerned whether or not a request for their extradition or surrender under a European Arrest Warrant has been received.
