As of 14 November 1996 the total cumulative number of persons unlawfully at large was 1,365. On 4 September 1995, the nearest date for which an accurate corresponding figure in 1995 is available, the number was 1,020.
It must be emphasised that the majority of those classed as unlawfully at large are so because of a technical breach of their temporary release conditions. It is estimated that approximately 76 per cent — i.e. 1,037 and 775 respectively — of those at large are deemed so having been granted temporary release and failing to return to sign on at the prison or Garda station in accordance with the terms of their release. It is necessary to bear in mind also that the number of persons at large is a cumulative figure, spanning over eleven years.
The breach of conditions of temporary release is an offence in itself, punishable by a prison sentence of up to six months and leaves the offender open to being arrested and returned to custody without the need for the issue of a further warrant.
The granting of temporary or early release is a feature of prison systems internationally and has been operated under statute in this country since 1960 by successive Ministers for Justice. While the greatest care is taken in selecting individuals for release it is inevitable that some will breach the conditions of their release.