asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider the release of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3, who is a mother of seven young children, in view of the fact that both parents have medical problems, the family is in very poor circumstances, and that the nature of the offence is a very minor one, i.e. shoplifting groceries.
Written Answers. - Release of Offender.
458.
, Limerick East): As I indicated in reply to a parliamentary question on 26 January 1983, I do not think that, as a general rule, it is appropriate to use the parliamentary question procedure as a method of obtaining information regarding the release date for an offender. Since however, the Deputy appears to be suggesting that there are compelling reasons why I should exercise my discretion to order the early release of this offender, I am obliged to say in reply to the question that there are in fact very good reasons for not doing so.
I will communicate with the Deputy at an early date about the case.