Vol. 543 No. 2
687 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he proposes to introduce provisions for a statutory parole board; the non-statutory arrangements currently in place; and his views on whether they are satisfactory. [26357/01]
In December 2000 I announced my intention to establish a parole board on an administrative basis. The members of the board were appointed in April 2001 and subsequently received some training. The board has commenced its work. Offices have been provided in Bow Street, Dublin 7, and a secretariat has also been provided. The board is advisory in nature and it reviews the cases of eligible prisoners sentenced to eight years or more.
My intention to establish the board on a statutory basis has already been announced. However, prior to formulating legislative proposals, my intention is to draw on the experience gained in the operation of the board on an administrative basis. I am fully satisfied that the arrangements which have been put in place for the board are satisfactory and that it will successfully undertake the responsible tasks assigned to it.
