§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what factors underlay the decision to transfer Roisin McAliskey from Northern Ireland to Holloway prison; how many applications for bail have been made on her behalf since she has been in Holloway prison; what representations he has received concerning Ms McAliskey being returned to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [17627]
§ Mr. KirkhopeRoisin McAliskey was arrested in Belfast on the basis of a provisional arrest warrant issued by Bow Street magistrates court on 25 November under section 8 of the Extradition Act 1989. That Act makes no provision for a separate jurisdiction for Northern Ireland. 133W The court of committal under section 9 of the Extradition Act can remand a person in custody only to a prison in England or Wales.
Applications for bail on Roisin McAliskey's behalf were made in hearings at Bow Street magistrates court on 4, 13 and 20 December 1996, and on 3 and 16 January 1997.
Several inquiries have been received regarding the possibility of her transfer to prison in Northern Ireland: the powers under which she is detained allow only for her detention in England and Wales.