Noel Davern
Ceist:4 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Justice whether, since the unification of Germany, either his Department or the Garda Síochána have sought extradition orders for any Irish citizens from the former East German area.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Extradition of Irish Citizens.
It is not the practice to discuss whether or not proceedings have been initiated for extradition from a foreign country in advance of an arrest and the bringing of the person concerned before a court. Apart from other considerations, disclosure of information of this kind by reference to a specific individual case or otherwise might hinder these proceedings or Garda action in the matter.
I am disappointed at the Minister's reply in view of the fact that it is three years since the unification of Germany. This person skipped bail while awaiting trial on these charges and no extradition has been sought. Were other printing machines brought into this country? Last year $100 notes were printed.
That is the subject of the next question.
Why has the extradition of this person not been sought three years after the unification of Germany?
To confirm the existence of an extradition request would be self-defeating. The disclosure of information of that kind before an arrest could alert the individual concerned to the fact that the Garda were seeking his or her extradition and allow that person the opportunity to evade arrest. That is not what the Deputy would wish. There is an extradition agreement between us and Germany, if that conveys any message to him.