§ Mr. MaginnisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has been given a definite time scale for the implementation of changes in the Republic of Ireland's Extradition Act 1987.
§ Dr. MawhinneyI assume that the hon. Gentleman refers to the Irish Extradition (European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism) Act 1987, rather than to the Extradition (Amendment) Act of the same year. The Irish Government have assured us that they will introduce amending legislation as soon as possible and that this is being dealt with as a matter of high priority.
§ Mr. MaginnisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications to extradite for terrorist offences have been made to the Irish Republic since 15 November 1985; how many of these have been unsuccessful; and if he will list the cases and the basis on which application was made.
§ Dr MawhinneySince 15 November 1985, there have been 32 applications to the Irish Republic for the extradition of persons to Northern Ireland who were suspected of, or had been convicted for, terrorist offences. Applications in relation to five individuals were refused by the Irish courts; in other cases, warrants were returned or withdrawn for a variety of reasons, including three cases where the person sought was subsequently arrested in the United Kingdom. There are also some outstanding cases where the person has not yet been arrested. The successful cases are:
§ Mr. MaginnisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he intends to put specific proposals to the Irish Republic relating to that country's declared intention to amend its Extradition Act 1987.
607W
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe precise terms of any new legislation to amend the Irish Extradition (European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism) Act 1987 are a matter for the Government and Parliament of the Republic of Ireland. The United Kingdom Government have already made clear to the Irish Government the nature of their concerns about Irish extradition law.
§ Mr. MaginnisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications for extradition in relation to terrorist offences in Northern Ireland are presently awaiting decision by the Irish Republic's courts.
§ Dr. MawhinneyNone.
§ Mr. MaginnisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will detail the assurances given to the Irish Republic by the United Kingdom Government in relation to changes in the United Kingdom extradition laws; and what agreement was reached on the issue with the Irish Republic Justice Minister at the meeting of the Anglo-Irish Conference on 19 November.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe detail of discussions in the Anglo-Irish Conference is confidential, but my right hon. Friend has indicated that the question of setting the existing agreement on speciality in statutory form is primarily a matter for the Home Secretary and would be considered if and when a suitable legislative vehicle arose.