11 December 1997 Edition
British sentences for 26 Counties
BY MICHEAL MacDONNCHA
Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín O Caoláin will be voting against the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Amendment) Bill which was introduced in the Seanad on Wednesday and is due in the Dáil next week.
The Bill is to facilitate the transfer to the 26 Counties of those sentenced to periods of imprisonment greater than the maximum penalties allowed under Irish law for similar offences.
The new law was framed by the FF/PD government because the British refused to agree to the repatration of political prisoners to the 26 Counties without a legal guarantee that the prisoners will serve the same sentence as that imposed in England. The law is designed in particular, though it does not state it, to allow for the repatriation of political prisoners serving 35 years in England on conspiracy charges. There is no sentence of the same length for any similar offence in the 26 Counties.
The Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas said it was a ``worrying amendment'' and what was needed was ``political persuasion and administrative flexibility'' in the transfer of prisoners, not legislation which could tie the hands of the Irish government with regard to prisoners.
Deputy O Caoláin said:
``There is grave concern among prisoners and their families at the requirement for the Irish authorities to implement in this jurisdiction the savage sentences imposed on prisoners in England.
``This legislation is being rushed through in the very last week before Leinster House adjourns for Christmas. The future implications for both political and non-political prisoners have not been explored.''
Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín O Caoláin will be voting against the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Amendment) Bill which was introduced in the Seanad on Wednesday and is due in the Dáil next week.
The Bill is to facilitate the transfer to the 26 Counties of those sentenced to periods of imprisonment greater than the maximum penalties allowed under Irish law for similar offences.
The new law was framed by the FF/PD government because the British refused to agree to the repatration of political prisoners to the 26 Counties without a legal guarantee that the prisoners will serve the same sentence as that imposed in England. The law is designed in particular, though it does not state it, to allow for the repatriation of political prisoners serving 35 years in England on conspiracy charges. There is no sentence of the same length for any similar offence in the 26 Counties.
The Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas said it was a ``worrying amendment'' and what was needed was ``political persuasion and administrative flexibility'' in the transfer of prisoners, not legislation which could tie the hands of the Irish government with regard to prisoners.
Deputy O Caoláin said:
``There is grave concern among prisoners and their families at the requirement for the Irish authorities to implement in this jurisdiction the savage sentences imposed on prisoners in England.
``This legislation is being rushed through in the very last week before Leinster House adjourns for Christmas. The future implications for both political and non-political prisoners have not been explored.''