Ceist:
353 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will look sympathetically at an early release for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [28737/00]
Written Answers. - Prisoner Releases.
The prisoner referred to was committed to Castlerea Prison on 10 October 2000 on foot of a Circuit Court warrant ordering him to serve consecutive sentences of 12 and 11 months, for handling stolen property and attempted burglary, and a concurrent five month sentence for having no car insurance. He was transferred to Mountjoy Prison the following day. With normal remission he is scheduled for release on 18 March 2002.
While I have given his case full and careful consideration, I am not prepared to authorise temporary release at this early stage of his sentence. I have, however, authorised a transfer for him to the drug free unit in the Mountjoy complex known as the training unit. In addition, I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to keep his case under review.