Prisoner Transfers

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

Questions (694)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

694. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a person (details supplied) will be transferred from Maghaberry Prison to Portlaoise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23080/14]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I wish to advise the Deputy that the application received under the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act 1995 and 1997 from the person referred to is currently receiving the attention of the Chief State Solicitor's Office.

I decide on all such requests following the collation of a number of reports from various agencies setting out the consequences of such a transfer.

For any such transfer to take place, the consent of all three parties in the process is required i.e. the sentencing State, the receiving State and the sentenced person.

The Deputy should note however, that the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons does not confer an automatic right on any prisoner to be transferred nor does it confer an obligation on any state to comply with a transfer request.