Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 3

Written Answers. - Prisoner Transfers.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

437 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will have arrangements made for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who is serving a sentence in a British prison to transfer on compassionate grounds to a prison in the Dublin area, in view of the fact that he has a five year old son, his partner died since he entered prison and his elderly parents are unable to travel to Britain to maintain contact between him and his son; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12247/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

In January this year I consented to the transfer of the person referred to in the question. The consent to transfer of both the person referred to and the United Kingdom authorities was subsequently sought, as required under the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Acts, 1995 and 1997. These consents were recently received and the matter referred to our legal advisers to make the necessary application to the High Court for a warrant authorising his transfer and continued detention here. On receipt of same arrangements will be made to effect his transfer here.

I assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to process this application as expeditiously as possible.