Bertie Ahern
Ceist:252 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice if she will make a statement on the practical implications for Ireland of the new proposed EU Convention on Extradition. [14600/96]
Written Answers. - EU Convention on Extradition.
John O'Donoghue
Ceist:287 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the extradition arrangements in place regarding the possible transfer of accused persons from other EU States to this State and from this State to other EU States; whether she has satisfied herself with these arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14362/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 and 287 together.
The principal instrument which governs extradition arrangements between EU member states is the 1957 European Convention on Extradition.
Work has been on-going for some time with a view to facilitating and improving, as between member states, the extradition arrangements provided for in that Convention. In that context an EU Convention on Simplified Extradition Procedures was formally adopted on 10 March 1995. This Convention deals with the procedures which will apply where a person consents to extradition.
Work on another EU Extradition Convention to further improve and simplify extraditon between the member states is almost finalised. I expect that the proposed Convention will be adopted during the Irish Presidency.