Vol. 487 No. 3
254 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if consideration will be given to an application for transfer to an open prison by a person (details supplied) from County Kildare, given that he has recently commenced a programme which will allow temporary release on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3862/98]
I am aware of the person to whom the Deputy refers but it is long standing practice not to comment in detail on the case of an individual prisoner and I do not propose to make an exception to that practice in this instance. I can, however, advise the Deputy that each application by an offender for transfer to an open centre is given due consideration, having regard to a number of factors, including, the nature of the offence committed, behaviour while in custody and the amount of sentence served.
