The family of a young Cork woman who was shot dead last year have said they are hopeful her killer will not be repatriated to Portugal.
They were speaking after meeting the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, yesterday.
Ms Grainne Dillon (24), from Glounthaune, Co Cork, was shot as she worked as night manager at Jury's Inn in Limerick. Her co-worker Paulo Nascimento (27) was convicted of her murder in March and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The trial judge said it was the most vicious and callous crime he had ever encountered. Nascimento, a night porter at Jury's and a Portuguese national, shot her after robbing €3,000 from the hotel.
He has just lodged an application to be repatriated home. Ms Aofie Dillon, the victim's sister, said her family told Mr McDowell they were totally opposed to any such move.
"We think it would make a mockery of the justice system. He should have to serve his sentence here. Mr McDowell took the time to listen to us and he is in no doubt about what we want.
"He said it could take at least a year before a decision on repatriation is made. It has never happened with Portugal before. He said the criteria to be assessed included the reason for the crime, its severity and public opinion."