Written Answers. - Repatriation of Irish Prisoners.
Joe Costello
Ceist:
290
Mr. Costello
asked the
Minister for Justice
the progress, if any, that has been made towards the repatriation of Irish prisoners serving sentences in foreign prisons; the number of applications received from ordinary prisoners; the number of applications received from Republican prisoners; the country of origin of each application; the progress made in talks with foreign governments on the repatriation procedures; whether she expects to begin the transfer of prisoners on 1 November 1995; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[13074/95]
Arrangements are now being made to implement the provisions of the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons which comes into effect on 1 November 1995 in the case of Ireland.
Procedures are being put in place to facilitate consideration of applications from Irish prisoners serving sentences in foreign prisons who wish to return to Ireland to serve their sentences here. Applications may be directed in the first instance to my Department, either directly or through our embassies, or to the sentencing country. However, even with this facility in the sentencing State, the consent to the transfer from the sentencing country is a requirement.
The following table sets out the approximate number of Irish persons serving sentences abroad who have made known their interest in a transfer to this country:
|
From England and Wales
|
—
|
60
|
|
Scotland
|
—
|
1
|
|
N. Ireland
|
—
|
2
|
|
Jersey
|
—
|
1
|
|
USA
|
—
|
5
|
|
France
|
—
|
1
|
|
Greece
|
—
|
1
|
|
Costa Rica
|
—
|
1
|
The following table sets out the approximate number of foreign prisoners serving sentences in this jurisdiction who have made known their interest in transfer to another jurisdiction:
|
ToUK
|
—
|
10
|
|
Scotland
|
—
|
1
|
|
N. Ireland
|
—
|
2
|
It is likely that further applications will be made after the transfer arrangements come into effect.
It is not possible to give precise information on the number of paramilitary prisoners who may seek transfer to this jurisdiction. Present indications are that about 20 such prisoners, included in the totals above, serving sentences in the UK may apply.
Officials of my Department have had consultations with their counterparts in the UK where the bulk of Irish prisoners serving sentences abroad are located. These contacts have focused on putting in place practical arrangements to allow transfers to begin as soon as possible after the implementation date of 1 November 1995.
Detailed arrangements will be made in due course to inform all Irish prisoners in prisons in other states which are party to the convention about the possibilities and conditions of transfer.
