Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
125. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 90 of 16 September 2016, if prisoners serving their sentences in Australia are also unable to make or be granted requests to be transferred back here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41389/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that the information provided in response to parliamentary question number 90 of 16 September, 2016 includes prisoners serving sentences in all countries which are covered by the convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. Australia is one of 65 countries included under the Convention.
As you are aware, the judgment from the Supreme Court referred to in the previous Parliamentary Question is detailed and complex and has implications for the continuance in its present form of the process operated by the Irish Prison Service for transferring prisoners from other States to Ireland, and vice versa. The practical effect of this judgement and whether it will necessitate legislative and/or administrative changes is being examined by officials of the Irish Prison Service and my Department in consultation with the Attorney General. Pending legal clarity on these issues, applications by prisoners abroad for transfer to Ireland cannot be processed to a conclusion at present. I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that all applicants and officials in the appropriate sentencing states are being informed of this position.
I am further advised by the Irish Prison Service that it is currently dealing with 29 applications from prisoners abroad to serve their sentence in this jurisdiction.
