Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2008
650 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the impact the Prison Rules Revision enacted in October 2007 has had; the eligibility of prisoners to receive extra remission on their sentences in this regard; and if any prisoner has obtained the 8% additional remission since October 2007. [3735/08]
Amharc ar fhreagra651 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if prisoners who are denied additional remission to their sentences are being informed as to the reason they were refused the additional remission. [3737/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 650 and 651 together.
The Prison Rules, 2007 reflect international best practice, the provisions of the European Prison Rules, and provide a modern regulatory framework for the administration of our prisons. Section 59 (2) of the Prison Rules, 2007 allows for the discretionary granting of additional remission, up to one third as opposed to the standard rate of one quarter, where a prisoner has shown further good conduct through his engagement in authorised structured activity and where as a result, the prisoner is less likely to re-offend and will be better able to reintegrate into the community.
I can at the outset advise the Deputy that this additional concession will only be awarded in exceptional cases and where I am satisfied beyond any doubt that the prisoner concerned has demonstrated that she/he meets the requirements as set out in the Prison Rules. I can further advise that no category of offender is excluded from consideration for this concession and furthermore, that prisoners who request reasons as to why they do not qualify will be advised accordingly. While there are a number of applications for extra remission under consideration at present, to date no prisoner has been granted this concession.
