Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 4

Written Answers. - Temporary Release of Prisoner.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

72 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice the reason a person (details supplied) was refused temporary release from prison to get married; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship and upset caused; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

Temporary release to allow prisoners to marry is granted only in the most exceptional circumstances and where all the necessary procedures have been complied with.

A prisoner seeking temporary release to get married must make application in the first instance to the governor of the institution in which he/she is held. He/she must provide supporting documentation for church authorities, where applicable, and all other relevant documentation such as medical certification as appropriate to support the application. It is only then that the application is submitted to me for decision. Clearly no applicant should make any arrangements for the wedding until he/she is informed that temporary release will be granted.

In this particular case the applicant did not follow the usual procedures and failed to submit appropriate documentation in support of his application. In the absence of the supporting documentation no decision could be made and the applicant was so informed on the 20 September 1991. The fact that the prisoner's intended spouse went ahead with arrangements for a wedding on 23 September 1991 without having confirmed first that temporary release would be granted is a matter over which neither I nor my Department had any control.

To date the necessary supporting documentation has not been received in my Department but if and when it is received I will make a quick decision on the matter. I am satisfied that at no stage was either the applicant or his intended spouse misled in the matter by any officials of my Department.