§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Attorney-General on what dates and to what extent representations were made to the Irish Attorney-General about the delay in responding to the RUC's warrant for the extradition of Brendan Smyth; what reasons were offered; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI understand that the Minister for Justice answered a question on this case in the Dail on 25 October 1994.
Officials of my Department regularly communicate with the Irish Attorney-General's Office about cases where a request for extradition to the United Kingdom has been made. This case figured in such contacts before it became apparent, in November 1993, that there was a 927W prospect of Brendan Smyth coming voluntarily to Northern Ireland to face trial.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Attorney-General how long it took to effect the extradition of Brendan Smyth from the Irish Republic following the consideration of the RUC's request in the appropriate Irish court.
§ The Attorney-GeneralOn 29 April 1993, the RUC delivered to the Garda warrants for the arrest of Brendan Smyth and a request for his extradition. Extradition proceedings were not instituted in the Irish courts before he came to Northern Ireland of his own volition, appearing in court there on 21 January 1994.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Attorney-General how long the Attorney-General of the Irish Republic took to initiate the appropriate judicial and courts process in response to the RUC's extradition warrant for Brendan Smyth.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe hon. Member is referred to my previous answers.