Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
395. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the progress made with the review of remission entitlements for prisoners; the timeline for the completion and publication of the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55978/23]
View answerUnder the Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024, there is a commitment to conduct a review of remission and temporary release to improve rehabilitation and reduce reoffending and overcrowding in prisons.
As the Deputy will be aware, prisoners sentenced to a definite term generally qualify for one quarter remission on the basis of good behaviour. In the current system, in certain cases of particularly good behaviour, prisoners may apply to the Minister for Justice for enhanced remission, the current rate of which is up to 33% of a determinate sentence. Where a prisoner is found to have committed a breach of prison discipline, such as assaults, intentionally or recklessly damaging property, the detention of any person against their will, escape or absconding, a loss of remission (up to 14 days) can be imposed by the Governor.
The review commenced in Q3 2022 and work is at an advanced stage.
