John O'Donoghue
Question:112 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the number of prisoners granted early release from prison in each of the calendar years from 1994 to date in 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13074/97]
Written Answers. - Early Release of Prisoners.
In 1994, the latest year for which accurate figures are available, 3,733 individuals were granted full temporary release. Exact figures for 1995, 1996 and 1997 are not yet available. Indications are, however, that the number of full temporary releases granted in 1995 and 1996 was in the same region as 1994, approximately 4,000 per annum. I will, of course, be happy to make the figures available to the Deputy as soon as they have been compiled.