Vol. 469 No. 3
180 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice the percentage of the 722 offenders transferred to open centres in 1996 who were serving sentences for serious crimes; the percentage of the 722 offenders who had been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of over five years; the criterion used for the selection of such offenders for transfer to open centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17529/96]
The criteria used in the selection of offenders for transfer to open centres include the nature of the offence for which he is imprisoned, the length of sentence imposed and remaining to be served and conduct while in custody. Offenders serving long sentences for serious offences are sometimes transferred to open centres on the recommendation of the sentence review group. This would normally take place towards the end of their sentence and would be part of a programme aimed at preparing them for their return to society.
