My Department did not receive a letter or request from the subject's solicitors as suggested by the Deputy nor would it have a role in providing the information sought by them. However, it has been ascertained from the Chief State Solicitor's Office — an office for which I have no responsibility — that the letter in question was received by that office.
I am informed that the State solicitor dealing with the matter has now confirmed in writing to the subject's solicitors in Northern Ireland that he is endeavouring to get a copy of the extradition order made in the Northern Ireland courts in or about July 1993. As orders such as that sought are normally retained by the relevant court office in Northern Ireland, the State Solicitor has also suggested in writing to the subject's solicitors that it may be more expeditious if they were to apply to the court office in Belfast for a copy of the extradition order which the subject requires.