Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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229. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when a Bill (details supplied) will be published in view of the fact that there has been a legal international obligation on Ireland for nearly ten years to transpose this into Irish law; the reason for the delay with this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10837/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Custodial Sentences) Bill will transpose Framework Decision 2008/909/JHA.

The framework decision on mutual recognition of judgments imposing custodial sentences provides for a revised system of transfer of sentenced persons within EU Member States.

Officials from my Department in Dublin and in Brussels are providing regular updates to the European Commission in respect of ongoing efforts to ensure we are fully compliant with our EU obligations in respect of transposition.

In that regard, the General Scheme for this transposition was agreed by Government in July and the Department is now working with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to progress this work and publish this scheme as quickly as possible.

Complex legal issues arise, particularly with respect to adaptation of sentences, but I am pleased to say that the Bill is now on the priority list for the Spring session. I expect the Bill to be published in the coming months.