Ms Joanna Joyce:

The question regarding crimes is very fair and the committee needs to consider it. It is always preferable for an offender to serve a sentence in an area where they have family ties. If people return to Ireland after being released from prison, it would be much better for them to serve a sentence here and released into a community where they have social supports. As the Deputy is aware, it is Government policy that a prisoner should always be able to serve a sentence close to family where it is possible. The crime issue, while important, does not affect a right to apply for repatriation or the need for same.