Dear Mr Ahern

Thank you for your letter dated October 23 in reply to my application for repatriation.

I am aware the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners does not confer an automatic right to be transferred - nor an obligation on any state to comply with a transfer request.


However what concerns me is the reason you have given to refuse my application.


You state that on balance you believe I have closer ties to the United Kingdom than


to an Irish jurisdiction. I would dispute this. How can that be?

I have a wife, and a son and daughter, living in County Carlow in the Irish republic.


They are my immediate kith and kin. Although my wife and I are separated she has

put in writing she is willing to visit me should I be repatriated to Portlaoise Prison. A copy of her letter is in your possession as I write this. If it has been mislaid I can forward a copy.


I have not seen my son and daughter for over nine years. My wife - rightly - isn't happy to bring them over to this country and put them through the ordeal of visiting me in prison - not to mention the cost involved traveling and staying overnight in another country.


I have no family in Britain and my sole visitor is a non-relative.


Can you please explain why my wife, son and daughter are not considered to be my next of kin?


Also can you explain how you reached the conclusion I have closer ties to the United Kingdom than to an Irish jurisdiction - bearing in mind


I have no relatives living in the UK whatsoever - and am the bearer of an Irish republic passport which is still valid.


I look forward to your reply.


Yours sincerely

NOEL MAGUIRE