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.''
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