Vol. 487 No. 3
277 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if equality of treatment is available to all republican prisoners in Portlaoise prison; and if compassionate parole will be granted to a person (details supplied) to visit his elderly and ailing parents. [4081/98]
I would like to assure the Deputy that equality of treatment is available to all republican prisoners in Portlaoise Prison. 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 each application for temporary release, including any application for compassionate temporary release, is carefully considered on its merits.
