asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government propose to sign the Council of Europe Convention on the transfer of sentenced persons; if any study has been carried out as to the number of Irish citizens in prisons abroad who would be covered by the Convention; the number of prisoners in Irish jails who would be entitled to transfer to other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
24.
The European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons was signed by Ireland on 20 August 1986. It will enter into force in respect of Ireland only on ratification. The question of possible legislative changes to enable the Convention to be ratified is a matter for the Minister for Justice.
According to an estimate of last year there are about 1,000 Irish citizens (including about 300 from Northern Ireland) in prison in Britain who would be covered by the Convention. There are currently about 40 Irish citizens in prison in the other member states of the Council of Europe who would be covered by the Convention. It has not been possible in the time available to ascertain the number of Irish citizens imprisoned in Canada and the US, which are also parties to the Convention. The number of prisoners in custody in this State who would be covered by the Convention was 92 — of whom 54 were from Northern Ireland — in February 1987, the last date for which exact figures are available.