Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Dec 2001

Vol. 545 No. 4

Written Answers. - Temporary Release of Prisoners.

Richard Bruton

Question:

345 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has imposed restrictions on the giving of temporary release to drug offenders designed to allow them participate in rehabilitation programmes; the criteria taken into account when considering applications for temporary release in such cases; and if he will review an application (details supplied). [30446/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Any application for temporary release is given full and careful consideration. I am advised by the director general of the Irish Prisons Service that in certain cases, including some offenders who have been convicted of drug related offences, temporary release has been granted to allow attendance at community based addiction counselling centres.

I can assure the Deputy that the prisons service and my Department are resolutely committed to tackling the problem of drug abuse in the prison system in a comprehensive way. An action plan on drug misuse and drug treatment in the prison system was approved by me in 1999. It advocated a broad general approach to raise the level of treatment for drug addicted offenders. This included the expansion of detoxification facilities, more drug free areas and the provision of methadone maintenance. The provision of addiction counselling support services was central to this recommended approach which built on a medical policy which had been agreed between my Department and the then Eastern Health Board in this area. It sought to provide the same access to treatment for prisoners as patients have within the community. At my request the director general of the prison service then established a national steering group for prison-based drug treatment services with a view to implementing the action plan.

In considering applications for temporary release the following factors are taken into account: would the release of the offender constitute a threat to the community; is it reasonable to grant release at the particular stage of the sentence; and has the offender engaged constructively with the relevant therapeutic services while in custody, in relation to addressing his addiction problem, and if so, what progress has been made? In this regard, the recommendations made by the therapeutic services as to the appropriate treatment required will be taken into consideration.

The overriding concern when considering temporary release is the safety of the public. The offender in question is serving a four year sentence for possession of drugs for supply and allowing for normal remission is due for release on 22 January 2003. I have reviewed his application and I am not prepared to consider temporary release for him at this stage of his sentence. His case will, however, continue to be kept under review.