Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 368: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Question No. 290 of 12 October 2004, his views on the fact that the person has been moved to a prison in the north of England; and the position regarding efforts to transfer this person to a prison here. [29702/04]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As I recently informed the Deputy, my Department has received the High Court warrant which allows for the transfer of this individual 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. 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. Several prisoners are on the list for transfer. However, I have been assured that this transfer will be effected as soon as is practically possible.