asked the Minister for Justice the steps, if any, intended in relation to the release of Dr. Rose Dugdale, in view of her young son's position and the promised amnesty for prisoners during the recent visit of the Pope to this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Release of Prisoners.
15.
In conformity with a long-standing practice of which I approve I do not make public statements about the affairs of identifiable individuals who are in custody. The reference to an amnesty is not in point. The release of persons in custody to mark the visit of the Pope took place on 1 October, and included only persons who would be due for release in 1979.
I suggest that we forget about the Pope and think about Christmas. Will the Minister agree that there are special circumstances in so far as this child is deprived of both parents and in addition to that there appear to be difficulties in relation to his present guardianship, and in all these circumstances, in the interests of the child if not in the interests of the mother, will the Minister consider this case sympathetically?
I assure the Deputy that all the circumstances of all the prisoners eligible for parole or for mitigation of sentence will be considered by me before Christmas.