Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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223. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when an application for the transfer of a sentenced person (details supplied) was received; the progress made to date; when it is expected that the process of transfer will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20574/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that an application from the person referred to by the Deputy to transfer to Ireland to serve his sentence was received on 3 November, 2017. I am further advised that my officials have recently received legal advice from the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the Office of the Attorney General in relation to his application. The advice received is currently being examined by my officials and the application will be processed accordingly.

On foot of the legal advice received it was necessary to make further contact with the sentencing State to seek clarification in relation to the sentences imposed and/or other issues relating to the applicant's conviction. Therefore it is not possible at this time to provide an estimated date for the conclusion of this application.

I wish to advise the Deputy that applications received for a period in 2016 and 2017 were placed 'on hold' following the outcome of the Supreme Court Judgement in the Rafferty et al V The Governor of Portlaoise. The person referred to was made aware of this by way of letter in December 2017.

Following the Judgement in the case of McKeon V The Minister for Justice and Equality, all applications were reactivated. The administration process in his case was re-activated in May 2018. Again I am advised that the person and his family were made aware of this and that they will be kept informed of any developments in his case as they arise.