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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1997

Vol. 483 No. 6

Written Answers. - Temporary Release of Prisoners.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

441 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total number of prisoners who have not served their full sentence in each month since 30 June 1997; the categories of prisoners involved in this regard; the reason for the early releases in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21575/97]

It is not possible to provide the precise information sought by the Deputy in the time available. However, the daily average number of persons on temporary release in the period from 30 June to the 30 November 1997 was approximately 527.

All categories of sentenced offenders are eligible for consideration for temporary release except those imprisoned for contempt of court (including civil debtors). It is long-standing policy, however, that persons serving sentences for serious crimes such as sex offences, importation or supply of drugs, armed robbery (including robberies where a syringe was used) and other cases involving serious violence are not granted periods of temporary release except in very exceptional circumstances.

Prisoners are granted temporary release for a variety of reasons ranging from a few hours to attend a funeral to full temporary release which is, in effect, our system of parole. Parole, a feature of prison systems world-wide, is an important vehicle for reintegrating an offender into the community in a planned way. In addition, it must be said that in a substantial number of cases the timing of the consideration of a prisoner for temporary release may be affected by pressure on prison accommodation.

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