John O'Donoghue
Question:447 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the criteria laid down by her or by her Department governing the early release of prisoners convicted of offences involving violence or threat of violence. [1375/96]
Written Answers. - Criteria for Early Release.
John O'Donoghue
Question:448 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice whether any criteria laid down by her or by her Department governing the early release of prisoners have been complied with regarding all early releases of prisoners during the last 12 months. [1376/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 447 and 448 together.
Full temporary release which is sometimes referred to as early release, under section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1960, is, in effect, our system of parole, which is a feature of prison systems in similar jurisdictions worldwide and has been used by all Ministers since 1960. In the case of offenders who are serving sentences for crimes involving violence or the threat of violence, the risk which a particular release might pose to the community is carefully assessed in consultation with the prison authorities and any other relevant agencies. A person on early release is under condition until the sentence time is over and can be rearrested without warrant if, during that period, they are caught in the commission of a crime. It is generally accepted that there are benefits attached to the community if an offender is re-integrated in a planned way.