asked the Minister for Justice if he intends to release any prisoners on parole for Christmas; if so, the numbers involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Christmas Parole.
59.
Temporary release over the Christmas period will be granted to a number of offenders. I am not yet in a position to indicate the number who will be involved as a number of cases are still being assessed.
Factors which are taken into account when assessing cases include the circumstances of the offence, length of sentence served, behaviour while in custody and the previous record of the offender. An overriding concern in assessing cases for release, is, of course, the risk which such a release might pose to the community.