Prisoner Releases.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2004

Wednesday, 8 December 2004

Ceisteanna (133)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

134 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if any persons convicted of crimes other than those deemed to be of a political nature have or are likely to be released under the terms of the Good Friday or associated agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32722/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

Persons who have, to date, benefited from the accelerated release provisions of the Good Friday Agreement were deemed to be "qualifying prisoners" and it remains the case that only those so designated may benefit from those provisions. No other intergovernmental agreement relates to qualifying prisoners.