Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the concern of British/Irish Rightswatch as to the request of the Federal Republic of Germany for the extradition of an Irish citizen (details supplied) in view of the impact on the person's health, and the conclusion by the British authorities that there was not sustainable evidence for the charge for which the extradition was sought; if his Department has discussed this matter with the British Home Secretary; and if it is his intention to do so. [18644/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish citizen referred to was arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 20 May 2007 on foot of a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) issued by the Federal Republic of Germany. Following initial hearings on 5 June and 27 June last, the extradition hearing has been adjourned until 22 August. The adjournments are to give the defence time to prepare their case. The person in question is currently on bail.

I am aware of the concerns of British Irish Rights Watch regarding this case.

For those EU Member States which previously allowed for a Governmental role in extradition proceedings, the EAW system alters this role by providing for direct co-operation between judicial authorities. In this case, the Warrant has been addressed to the Belfast Recorder's Court, which is required to determine whether or not to make the relevant order.

The position is that there are provisions in place under this system to protect the fundamental rights of individuals including, therefore, in this case the person sought. It is, of course, for the legal representatives of the individual in question to raise arguments before the Courts concerning possible bars to the making of an EAW order, including health concerns. My officials are closely monitoring the case. However, as the case is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this stage.