Prisoners (Republic of Ireland Nationals)

Oral Answers to Questions — Justice – in the House of Commons am 2:30 pm ar 23 Mawrth 2010.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Philip Hollobone Philip Hollobone Ceidwadwyr, Kettering 2:30, 23 Mawrth 2010

How many Republic of Ireland nationals are serving sentences in prisons in England and Wales.

Photo of Philip Hollobone Philip Hollobone Ceidwadwyr, Kettering

Given the cost to the British taxpayer of their incarceration, and that only Jamaican and Nigerian nationals have higher populations in our jails, why is Her Majesty's Government not returning to secure detention in the Republic Irish nationals who consent to go?

Photo of Maria Eagle Maria Eagle Minister of State (Ministry of Justice) (also in Government Equalities Office), Minister of State (Government Equalities Office) (also in the Ministry of Justice)

Such arrangements are voluntary. If people wish to go, their returns can be facilitated, and there is no reason why not. We no longer deport-except in exceptional circumstances-at the end of a sentence of imprisonment because of the operation of the common travel area, which means that people can simply return.