asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he has communicated to the British Government that extradition to Northern Ireland will not be permitted by the Government in the cases of persons sought on foot of the uncorroborated evidence of a supergrass.
Ceisteana—Questions. Oral Answers - Extradition to Northern Ireland.
29.
I have repeatedly expressed my concern at the systematic use of uncorroborated evidence by accomplices or informers in criminal court cases in Northern Ireland. I have also stated my commitment, as Permanent Irish Ministerial Representative at the Inter-Governmental Conference, to seek the introduction of measures to increase public confidence in the administration of justice in Northern Ireland.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the decision to extradite or not is made by the courts, not by the Government.
Will the Minister say what the Government's attitude is to requests for extradition of persons on foot of uncorroborated evidence of a supergrass? Is the Minister aware that there is a person in prison here who feels he will be extradited on foot of evidence given under the supergrass system? I should like the Minister to clarify the Government's thinking on this.
The House introduced the Act dealing with extradition in 1965.
The Chair understands that the case that has given rise to the supplementary question is subjudice and as such should not be discussed.
I was about to say that but I would have been more long winded than the Chair.