§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Attorney-General how many extradition warrants are currently in existence for persons wanted for questioning in the United Kingdom about Irish Republican Army terrorist offences.
§ The Attorney-GeneralWarrants are not sought in order to obtain the return of fugitives from the Republic of Ireland for questioning by the police. They are sought only where there is sufficient admissible evidence to found a prosecution. It would not be in the public interest to give any details as to the number of warrants in existence in relation to terrorist offences.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Attorney-General, what steps are currently being taken to ensure that police officers from the United Kingdom are present in Irish courts to officially identify persons facing extradition proceedings to the United Kingdom.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Irish authorities, who present applications to the Irish courts for the return of fugitives under the backing of warrants procedure, indicate to our authorities whether and, if so, what evidence will he needed from the United Kingdom as a matter of Irish law. The evidence as to identity which will be presented by the Irish state in any particular case will depend on the circumstances of that case, in the light of the view taken by the authorities in the Republic of the requirements of Irish law.