asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that the British authorities have adhered strictly to recognised and accepted practice following the extradition of Mr. Dominic McGlinchey; and whether he has made any representations to them in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers - Extradition Practices.
14.
In accordance with the decision of the Supreme Court, Dominic McGlinchey was extradited to Northern Ireland on 18 March 1984 on foot of a warrant for his arrest on a charge of murdering Mrs. Hester McMullan at Toomebridge, County Antrim, on 28 March 1977. Since his extradition to Northern Ireland, McGlinchey has been returned for trial on that charge.
As this matter is now sub judice in Northern Ireland, I would not wish to make any further comment.
Is the Minister concerned that the safeguards for extradition laid down in the Law Reform Commission Report have been ignored by the British authorities? Is he aware, for instance, that Mr. McGlinchey was not charged immediately, that he was questioned about other offences and not brought to court within 45 days? Would the Minister agree that all these things constitute breaches of the safeguards contained in the 1974 Report?
He was not extradited under a report from the Law Reform Commission. He was extradited under the 1965 Extradition Act which is administered by the courts here and not by this House or by this Minister. As long as the sections of that Act are complied with that is as far as I can go in the matter.
Am I to take it from what the Minister says that he is not at all concerned that the person in question here had to wait for 45 days before he was brought to court?
The Deputy should not read any more into my reply than I gave in my reply.
I asked specifically about the 45 days.
I have said that as the matter is now sub judice in Northern Ireland I would not wish to make any further comment, and that point stands.