§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what indications he has received from the Irish Government as to when the Irish Parliament will ratify the appropriate convention to receive sentenced prisoners in the Irish Republic; and if he will make a statement. [33945]
§ Mr. RifkindI understand that a Bill to ratify the Council of Europe convention on the transfer of sentenced persons completed its passage through the Irish Parliament on 7 July and should shortly come into effect.