John Perry
Question:263 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the submission (details supplied). [3941/98]
Written Answers. - Detention of Prisoners.
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 will say, however, that the offender in question was committed to custody by the Central Criminal Court having been convicted of a serious offence.
The courts are, subject to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judical functions. As such I have no function in relation to the verdicts of the courts or the length of sentences imposed by them. These issues are entirely a matter for the court in any particular case and I have no function in relation to them.