Prisoner Transfers

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Questions (799)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

799. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason Irish prisoners serving indeterminate sentences for public protection in Britain cannot transfer to serve their prison sentences in this jurisdiction; if he intends changing the law to facilitate their transfer by allowing for the conversion of the sentences on transfer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46565/13]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I understand that a legal difficulty arises in cases of persons serving an indeterminate sentence for public protection in that no comparable sentence currently exists in this jurisdiction. While I have sought further legal advice, it is not possible at this time to process the transfer here of such persons.