asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of discussions at the Council of Europe on a draft convention under which persons sentenced to terms of imprisonment in one member state will have the option of being returned to their country of origin to serve their sentences; when this convention is likely to be ready for signature; and whether, in view of the expressed wish of Irish prisoners serving sentences for political offences in Britain to be transferred to prisons in Ireland and to bring to an end the hardships and frustrations now suffered by families and relatives making prison visits, his Department will give the fullest support for acceptance of the convention by member states of the Council.
Written Answers. - Draft Convention on Prison Option.
769.
Discussions have been taking place at official level within the Council of Europe on the text of such a draft convention. This draft text has not yet been discussed by the Committee of Ministers. I am not yet in a position to state when the convention is likely to be opened for signature. It is too early to say what positions member states of the Council of Europe are likely to adopt in the matter. The draft convention is still under consideration and I am not in a position to say what decision will be taken in regard to it.