Vol. 508 No. 3
336 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures in place at Castlerea place of detention for informing local gardaí of the release of prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18959/99]
It is not clear from the Deputy's question whether he is referring to the gardaí local to the prisoner's home area or the gardaí local to Castlerea.
When prisoners convicted of sex offences are due for release the gardaí local to the prisoner's home area are informed. This procedure also applies to other categories of offender where it is deemed necessary by the prison authorities.
In the event that the authorities in Castlerea Prison are of the view that the gardaí in Castlerea should be notified of the release of a particular prisoner, they are notified in advance, generally by telephone. This has been the practice at the prison since it opened. However it has only been considered necessary to take this step in a small number of cases.
