John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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865. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application made by a prisoner serving a sentence in the UK (details supplied) for permission to complete the sentence in Ireland; if he will give a timeframe for the process to be completed. [23446/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Acts 1995-2023 establishes the conditions and procedures for the transfer of custodial sentences between Non-EU Member States. Every effort is made to progress each case promptly and within the statutory timeframe.

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the processing of the application from the person referred to by the Deputy is ongoing. The Irish Prison Service is liaising with the UK authorities, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office, and officials in my Department to gather the necessary information to progress the matter.

International transfers require the exchange of detailed information between countries and legal scrutiny on a case-by-case basis. There are several steps to the process but I can assure the Deputy that this application is receiving the necessary attention.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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866. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 900 of 9 April and 347 of 8 October 2024, If he will give an indicative timeframe for the transfer of a prisoner and expedite the matter, considering the applicants deteriorating health. [23447/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, these transfers are dealt with in accordance with the Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Custodial Sentences) Act 2023, as amended.

I can confirm that this case is well-advanced and the relevant documentation has been forwarded to my Department by the authorities in the Member State where the individual concerned is currently detained. If the documentation received is deemed to be in order, I will proceed to sign a certificate pursuant to section 34 of the Act and the matter can then proceed to the High Court for consideration.

As the Deputy will appreciate, this process is legally and procedurally complex. However, I would like to reassure him that every effort is being made to progress this matter as quickly as possible.