Tony Gregory
Question:341 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a prisoner (details supplied) in County Limerick will be considered for temporary release. [24493/99]
Written Answers. - Temporary Release of Prisoners.
The person referred to by the Deputy is serving seven years for possession of firearms and ammunition and is not due for release with remission until April 2001.
Each application for temporary release is examined on its own merit. Although the person concerned has severed his subversive links and declared himself to be non-aligned, numerous other factors have to be taken into account when considering the issue of temporary release. Before granting temporary release careful consideration is given to a number of factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offence, previous record, behaviour in custody, length of sentence served, and any compassionate grounds which merit special consideration. The overriding concern when decisions are being made in individual cases is the safety of the public. While I am not in a position to authorise temporary release at present, his case is kept under constant review.