Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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103. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for legislation allowing prisoners to be repatriated to serve their sentences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11293/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, on foot of a number of Supreme Court judgements, it is necessary to amend legislation which facilitates the transfer of prisoners from abroad to serve their sentences here in the State. 

Last month, the Government approved a General Scheme of a Bill to amend the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Acts 1995 to 1997.  Following this decision, the General Scheme was forwarded to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting.  The General Scheme was also sent to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Equality for the Committee's consideration as to whether they wish to carry out pre-legislative scrutiny.  In the meantime, my Department will continue to liaise with the OPC to progress this matter so that a finalised Bill can be brought to Government and presented to the Oireachtas as soon as possible.