James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and Senators for their contributions. Regarding costs, I can say that inward and outward transfers offset each other and having this robust system in place will help to reduce costs as well. By way of an indication of numbers to give Senators a sense of this, inward transfer volumes have been significantly affected by the issues arising since the decision in 2014. However during the period from 1996 to 2015, 516 applications were received, which is 26 per annum, and with 153 completed which is eight per annum. Of these, 80% were from the United Kingdom. As transfers have not been progressing for several years now it can be expected that initially there will be an initially high volume of applications as the backlog is cleared. Information provided by EU member states in 2021, not including the United Kingdom, indicates there are 17 pending applications that are likely to be progressed under the framework decision once the legislation comes into force. There are 304 Irish nationals in prison in the United Kingdom who would be eligible to apply for a transfer, however from historical experience the vast majority of such persons are not seeking to return to Ireland. Engagement with the relevant NGOs suggests that there may be approximately 20 or 30 such applications so the numbers are still relatively small. In fairness to my officials who have done fantastic work, there is an informal consolidation of the relevant legislation showing the effects of the amendments on the different Acts. If Members do not have a copy of that, I will make sure they get one.