Vol. 535 No. 1
553 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a sentence review has taken place in respect of a person (details supplied) at St. Patrick's Institution; and if so, the result in this regard. [12223/01]
The person referred to is serving a two year sentence for assault causing harm and with standard remission is due for release on 23 April 2002. Review meetings are held on a regular basis in each institution to facilitate the exchange of information and aid decision making. Each meeting is chaired by the governor with the attendance of senior prison management, Probation and Welfare staff, chaplains, teachers, other prison staff and an official from the Prisons Service headquarters.
In making decisions on the management of a prisoner's sentence, careful consideration is given in each individual case 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. Other matters considered are whether the prisoner has engaged constructively with the various prison based therapeutic services such as the Probation and Welfare Service, educational and work training programmes, and/or drug treatment programmes.
I can confirm that this person's case was discussed at a recent review meeting in St. Patrick's Institution. The outcome of the review was a recommendation that he be transferred to Castlerea Prison and this transfer will take place as soon as a suitable vacancy arises.
