Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to a previous parliamentary question on a matter (details supplied), if it will be resolved as soon as possible. [24139/04]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department has recently received the High Court warrant which allows for the transfer of the individual in question into this country and the continued enforcement of his prison sentence under the transfer of sentenced persons legislation. However, Irish prison officers are required to provide the escort for prisoners transferring into this country under the legislation. The current position is that due to necessary cutbacks in overtime levels in the Irish Prison Service, as well as for operational reasons, it has been necessary for the Irish Prison Service to restrict such prison transfers into Ireland to one per month. There are currently a number of prisoners on the list for transfer. However, I have been assured that this transfer will be effected as soon as is practically possible.