John Deasy
Ceist:131 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the rates of remission applicable in each place of detention in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9228/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2004
131 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the rates of remission applicable in each place of detention in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9228/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn general, prisoners are entitled to remission totalling one quarter of the sentence imposed by the courts. There are exceptions to this rule, for example, life sentenced prisoners and persons serving sentences of less than one month, which do not attract any remission. The courts are aware of the statutory entitlement to remission when passing sentence and take due account of such remission.
Prisoners who are selected for either of the open centres — Loughan House or Shelton Abbey — or the work parties in Cloverhill and Portlaoise Prisons may be granted the additional concession of half remission on the remainder of their sentence.