Vol. 459 No. 5
78 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the communications, if any, she has had with the United Kingdom authorities regarding the transfer of republican prisoners from British jails; the number of places and level of security that will be required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17603/95]
Detailed discussions have taken place over recent months at a high level between officials of my Department, the Home Office in London and the Northern Ireland and Scottish Offices on the operation of the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners to which Ireland has been a party since 1 November. This process of dialogue has also included the exchange of documentation. I have, moreover, discussed this issue personally with the Home Secretary.
As regards the number of places and level of security required, these will be determined by a number of factors including the type of prisoner being transferred. I do not anticipate any difficulty in meeting the relevant requirements in this regard.
