Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the transfer of the gentleman in question, the Act provides that non-nationals serving sentences in Ireland may apply to serve the remainder of their sentences in their own countries, where those countries are party to the Council of European Convention for the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. During the period from 1995 to 2011, approximately 140 Irish citizens were transferred to Ireland from abroad to serve their sentences here, including 39 Irish citizens convicted of murder in other states. A similar number of foreign prisoners were returned to their home countries to serve their sentences there.

In this particular case, the Czech authorities have given assurances that the man concerned will continue to have his sentence of life in prison enforced and that he will serve at least 20 years of that life sentence before being considered for conditional release. Furthermore, the serving of an exclusion order, which will require the man to remain outside Ireland, is currently being considered and processed through normal channels.

The Minister was at all times conscious of the dreadful events in 2007 and their impact of the victim's family members. On becoming aware of these concerns, the Minister decided to defer the transfer last May and subsequently had a lengthy meeting in Longford with members of the Coughlan family.

Since then the Department has been in extensive correspondence with the family's solicitor and has provided detailed responses to the correspondence received. When the Minister made his recent decision to transfer Mr. Brozovsky to the Czech Republic, he directed that in advance of the implementation of the decision the family be informed of what that decision was. In making his decision, the Minister stated the family should be told of the circumstances, including the guarantees of the Czech authorities with regard to serving the minimum sentence of 20 years. In view of these facts I will give Senator Leyden an opportunity to withdraw the outrageous comments made in respect of the Minister. I outlined in detail some of the circumstances of the situation which I hope will be helpful to the House.

Senator Clune spoke about European summer time, a matter which has been raised by Senator Quinn every year I have been a Member of the House. It was being examined by an Oireachtas committee and also by the UK authorities. It would be very important, in view of the common business interests we have, that the UK would jump at the same time. I do not know what conclusions the UK authorities reached in this regard. The matter should be considered and acted upon, if we can get agreement between the Irish and UK authorities in particular.

I note the points made by Senator Barrett on Civil Service reform. The Croke Park agreement is one thing but there is also a need, as he mentioned, for a broad range of Civil Service reform. The Minister for Public Service and Reform will come before the House soon to discuss this matter and it will be an opportunity for the Senator to raise these points.

Senators Keane, Higgins and others spoke about the children's rights referendum and outlined its importance. I agree with the comments that we should all ensure people are informed of what is happening in this regard. It is our duty as Members of both Houses to inform people about the referendum and ensure they come out and vote.

Senator Wilson spoke about Co-operative Poultry Products in Cootehill. As he stated, Simon Coyle of Mazars was appointed receiver on Monday afternoon. A total of 90 people were employed there and 40 were let go. It is likely the receiver will let go the remaining production staff, which has probably already happened. The receiver will try to find a buyer for the business, and a number of potential buyers examined the operation recently with a view to purchasing it but no firm offers have been made to date. A representative of Enterprise Ireland is on hand and has met the executive chairman of the co-op and is also in contact with the receiver. Every effort is being made to sell the business. I agree with Senator Wilson that the workers there should receive their full entitlements. I hope many of them will return to work if the co-op is sold. It is the wish of all to have the co-op back up and running with people employed.

Senator Burke spoke about the children's hospital. We all agree the timeframe should be spelled out when a decision is made and we should all get behind the project.

I do not propose to accept the amendment to the Order of Business.