The Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act Annual Report is laid before the Oireachtas in April every year and includes the historical statistical information requested by the Deputy. The report is also available on the Department of Justice & Equality website. (www.justice.ie)
The Supreme Court judgement in the case of O'Farrell, McDonald, Rafferty -v-The Governor of Portlaoise Prison is detailed and has implications for the continuance in its present form of the process operated by the Irish Prison Service for transferring prisoners from other States to Ireland. The practical effect of this judgement and whether it will necessitate legislative and/or administrative changes is being examined by officials of the Irish Prison Service and my Department in consultation with Attorney General. Given the complex nature of the review being undertaken, it is not possible at this stage to indicate a time frame for its conclusion.
I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that there are 32 applications received from prisoners overseas which are currently 'on hold' pending the receipt of the necessary legal advices.
