Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I am sure it would be a very sorry inspector who would try to challenge the Minister, as the latter must give his consent on the matter. Nevertheless, we are talking about sworn information and a provisional arrest. The Extradition Act 1965 is pretty much old hat at this stage given the changes that have taken place concerning the European arrest warrant and, therefore, the use of that Act will become largely redundant. I do not know if there is a reason for stipulating the rank of inspector. Why not pitch it at a level of senior rank that would be appropriate to legislation of this nature concerning the transfer of execution of sentences? It is a serious matter that somebody would have to give sworn information, even with the consent of the Minister, with regard to the issuing of the warrant and the provisional arrest taking place. Most issues of similar or equivalent importance in domestic law, or relating purely to a domestic area, as distinct either from extradition or the international dimension, would certainly be dealt with by a superintendent. I am not sure if the Minister can cite any example that refers to the issuing of a warrant in the domestic context.

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