Prisoner Releases.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2004

Tuesday, 7 December 2004

Questions (245)

Paul Connaughton

Question:

271 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on aspects of the Olden report which would specifically protect the community at large from persons convicted of more than one murder should these be released from prison; if his attention has been drawn to the tragic circumstances of a person (details supplied); his views on whether there are similarities between this case and the application to the parole board to have other persons released from prison despite their having served life sentences for brutal murders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32311/04]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am well aware of the background to the tragic case referred to by the Deputy which gave rise to the Olden report. Sentences of all long-term prisoners are being managed in a manner consistent with the recommendations of the Olden report. Life sentence prisoners may have their cases reviewed by the interim parole board once they have served seven years in prison custody and the board has responsibility for advising me on the administration of such sentences.

The prisoners referred to by the Deputy, like any life sentence prisoners in the system, may have their cases reviewed by the board. Nevertheless, it can also be inferred from the length of sentence already served, 26 years, that their offences are viewed as most heinous and any decision to grant any form of concession in their cases would not be taken lightly. At this stage, I have received no recent recommendation from the interim parole board on these cases.