Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2015
34. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her legislative plans to reform the Parole Board of Ireland, in view of recent criticism, particularly about the decision-making process and the extent of ministerial input into temporary release; her views on failures identified in a report (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7069/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 415 dated 14 January 2015, which dealt with the report referred to by the Deputy.
In relation to the Parole Board, proposals are being prepared to put it on a statutory footing. In September last year, I published the report of the Penal Policy Review Group which was tasked with carrying out a strategic review of penal policy. As an initial step, the Government agreed in principle last November to proceed with the implementation of a number of key recommendations, including the bringing forward of legislative proposals to establish the Parole Board on an independent statutory basis.
I believe this will help to strengthen the Board and improve its functions. My Department is currently considering the matter in more detail ahead of presenting proposals for legislation.
