asked the Minister for justice if he is operating a particular policy in relation to the length of life sentence being served by Republican prisoners in Portlaoise Prison; if there are any plans to review that policy or those sentences; if he intends to issue release dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Policy of Life Sentences in Portlaoise Prison.
79.
The cases of offenders serving life sentences are kept under review. Factors such as the circumstances of the offence, length of sentence served, behaviour while in custody and the previous record of the offender are taken into account.
An overriding concern in assessing cases for release is, of course, the risk which such a release would pose to the community. Where a person serving a life sentence is released, the release is subject to conditions relating to behaviour etc.
It is not the practice to determine release dates or to notify them to offenders significantly in advance of actual release dates.
The policy relating to review which I have outlined above applies to all life sentences.