Paul Bradford
Ceist:320 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be transferred from the United Kingdom to a prison in the Republic of Ireland. [22290/97]
Written Answers. - Prisoner Transfers.
I can confirm that the application in respect of the person referred to in the question has been formally transmitted by the United Kingdom authorities and is currently under consideration in this jurisdiction. It must be confirmed that the offences for which he was convicted in the United Kingdom would also constitute offences if committed in this jurisdiction. In this regard, I have been advised that additional information is required and the UK authorities have been requested to forward same as soon as possible. I, for my part, will only then be in a position to make a decision on the application.
Assuming this application is consented to by me, the United Kingdom authorities will be advised accordingly. We will then have to await the consent of the Home Secretary and formal consent of the prisoner to the transfer, there must be three-way prior consent from the sentenced person and from the authorities of both States for a transfer to take place. On receipt of same, arrangements will be made to apply to the High Court for the necessary warrant authorising his transfer into this jurisdiction and his continued detention.
These procedures are as required under the Convention and must be adhered to in considering any transfer application. Unfortunately, it is not possible to say how long it will take for this application to be considered. However, I can assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to process this application as quickly as possible.