Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 32:

In page 13, between lines 1 and 2, to insert the following:“(vi) the effect that the granting of parole may have on the prisoner’s family;

(vii) the likelihood that being granted parole would facilitate or aid in the parole candidate’s reintegration into his or her family;”.

This about the reports the parole board can direct to be prepared in respect of reviews or hearings of a parole candidate. There is a list of criteria, such as risk of reoffending, conduct to date, etc., and this adds extra criteria to take account of the effect the decision would have on the prisoner's family and the likelihood of facilitating his or her reintegration. A theme of our discussions on penal reform was that the role of the family and social supports are the key determinant in whether somebody will reoffend or not. One could say that this is basically covered by looking at the risk of reoffending but we need to elevate that issue. That is why I have included it. International evidence shows that family integration is the key to whether somebody is going to end up back in prison or not. The purpose of the amendment is to try to get that provision included in the Bill. Amendment No. 63 is also about family supports.