128 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation regarding the transfer of persons (details supplied). [32045/01]

I have consented to the transfer of all the applicants to whom the Deputy refers. The applications are all now at the final stages of the process for transfer into Ireland to serve the remainder of their sentences under the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act, 1995 and 1997.

A successful High Court application was recently made in the case of the second named applicant. When the sealed warrant is received by my Department from the High Court Central Office, final arrangements for transfer will be made.

Applications to the High Court for warrants authorising the transfer and continued detention in this jurisdiction will shortly be made in respect of the other applicants to whom the Deputy refers.

I expect the actual transfers into this jurisdiction will take place, in all four of these cases, early in the new year.