EU Framework Decision 2008/909/JHA on the mutual recognition of custodial sentences establishes the conditions and procedure for the transfer of a custodial sentence between EU member states. This Framework Decision has been implemented in Ireland by the Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Custodial Sentences) Act 2023.
I have been advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that, arising from a request made by the individual referenced to the relevant authorities in the Member State where they are detained, those authorities contacted the Irish Prison Service to progress a possible transfer on 27 November 2023. The consideration of such a transfer remains ongoing.
I am also advised that the processing of a possible transfer under the above mentioned legislation takes time as it requires legal assessment on a case-by-case basis and the detailed exchange of information between various agencies in the two countries. However, every effort is made to progress each matter as soon as possible.