Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
900. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice if she will confirm the status of the transfer of a person (details supplied); and if the request will be expedited considering the applicants deteriorating health [14773/24]
View answerI am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that an application was received for a transfer of sentence from the named person on 27 November 2023.
As the Deputy will be aware, EU Framework Decision 2008/909/JHA on the mutual recognition of custodial sentences establishes the conditions and procedure for the transfer of a custodial sentence between EU member states. This Framework Decision has been implemented in Ireland by the Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Custodial Sentences) Act 2023 (the “2023 Act”). The 2023 Act was signed into law on 1 March 2023 and was commenced on 3 May 2023.
I am also advised that the processing of an application under this legislation takes time as it requires legal assessment on a case-by-case basis and the detailed exchange of information between various agencies in the two countries. However, every effort is made to progress each application as soon as possible and within the statutory timeframe.
I understand the Irish Prison Service has not been made aware of any health issues related to the person seeking transfer and the Deputy may wish to contact the Prison Service directly if he has any information of this nature that he has been asked to relay.
