HL Deb 11 November 1996 vol 575 cc84-5WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many prisoners located in England have applied since 1st April 1994 for transfer to Northern Ireland and with what results.

Baroness Blatch

Since 1st April 1994, 150 prisoners in England and Wales have requested transfers to Northern Ireland on either a permanent or a temporary basis; of these, 53 requests were granted; 57 refused; 20 were not proceeded with; and 20 are still under consideration.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many prisoners located in England have applied, since Ireland ratified the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, for transfer to the Republic of Ireland and with what results.

Baroness Blatch

Following the bringing into effect of the provisions of the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons by the Irish Republic on 1st November 1995, a total of 94 prisoners in England and Wales have so far requested repatriation to the Republic. To date, 45 requests have been referred to the Irish authorities for their consideration; two prisoners have been repatriated to the Republic; and four further requests have been approved and the prisoners are currently awaiting transfer to the Republic. Ten prisoners have withdrawn their requests. One request has been refused.