Vol. 454 No. 2
27 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Justice the number of offenders who have been released under the Government programme for the release of political prisoners; the phasing and criterion used and the procedures applicable for any such release; the probation plans, if any, she has in relation to such offenders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10418/95]
The Government, using their power under section 33 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939, have granted full early release to a total of 20 provisional IRA prisoners since January 1995. In each case the release was granted on the basis that the person released (a) would keep the peace and be of good behaviour and (b) would not, through publicity or otherwise, do anything which might cause annoyance or distress to any person (or to the family or friends of any person) who might have been affected by the offence or offences which led to the imprisonment.
A range of criteria was taken into account in making the selection, including proportion of sentence served, any special personal circumstances, and an assessment of the risk to the safety of the public.
