§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make representations to the Irish Government to repeal Irish extradition legislation preventing outward extradition unless bilateral arrangements exist; and if he will make a statement. [12449]
§ Mr. KirkhopeI have been asked to reply.
The provision in question relates to the extradition by Ireland of its own nationals. It is the policy of the United Kingdom not to refuse extradition on the ground of nationality, and it continues to urge other Governments to re-examine their policy and legislation if it prohibits the extradition of their own nationals. The 1996 European Union extradition convention requires of all member states that they examine their domestic legislation on the question of extradition of own nationals during the ratification process.