§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he intends to take a decision on applications by prisoners detained in the United Kingdom to be transferred to prisons in the Irish Republic; and if he will make a statement; [24579]
511W(2) how many medical reports on Patrick Kelly he has requested in the last year; when the last report was (a) requested and (b) received by him; and when he expects to take a decision on Mr. Kelly's application to transfer to a prison in the Republic of Ireland. [24582]
§ Miss Widdecombe[holding answer 16 April 1996]: All requests made by prisoners seeking repatriation to the Republic of Ireland are determined on their individual merits. Repatriation in each case is subject to the consent of both jurisdictions and the prisoner concerned. Since 1 November 1995, when the Council of Europe convention on the transfer of sentenced persons came into force in the Republic, 70 requests have been received from prisoners in England and Wales wishing to be repatriated there. Twenty-nine requests including Mr. Kelly's have been referred to the Irish Republic for their consideration as required by the convention; a response has been received from the Irish authorities on Mr. Kelly's request and six others, one of which has now been granted.
Six medical reports commissioned by the Prison Services of England and Wales and of Northern Ireland have been received on Patrick Kelly's condition; the latest of these is dated 11 April. In addition, three medical reports have been forwarded by Mr. Kelly's solicitors. Mr. Kelly remains on normal location within Maghaberry prison where his condition is regularly monitored.
A decision on Mr. Kelly's repatriation request and all other outstanding requests will be made as soon as is possible.