asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Council of Europe Convention under which prisoners would have the right to opt to serve sentences, which were imposed within the jurisdiction of other member states of the Council, in their home countries has now been opened for signing; and, if so, whether Ireland proposes to sign and ratify this convention.

The Council of Europe's convention on the transfer of sentenced persons will be opened for signature on 21 March 1983. A decision has not yet been taken on the question of signature and ratification by Ireland.