asked the Minister for Justice why an application for Christmas release from a prisoner in Portlaoise Prison (name supplied) who was to be released in early January and who was recommended for release by the Governor, was not granted.
35.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Prisoners' Release Applications.
34.
asked the Minister for Justice what factors are taken into consideration in dealing with applications by prisoners for Christmas release.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 35 together.
Christmas releases are either temporary releases over the Christmas period or outright release in advance of the date on which the sentences would otherwise expire. The questions relate to these outright releases and I shall confine my reply to them.
At Christmas it is the practice to review the sentences of well conducted prisoners serving long sentences and due for release in the ordinary way on or before 31st December and, as a general rule, unless some factor connected with the particular offence or the personal circumstances of the offender indicates the contrary, these prisoners are discharged just before Christmas.
Certain other offenders who would be due for release within a couple of weeks after Christmas also have their sentences reviewed at the same time and, in particular instances, if there are good grounds for terminating sentences, they may be discharged as well.
Beyond saying that all cases are fully considered, I could not agree to discuss the considerations relating to a decision taken in any particular instance.