Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Will the Minister of State consider it meritorious that the terms of reference for the role and function of the parole board be broadened to include those convicted of sex offences? Sex offenders do not come under the parole scheme. This means there is no incentive for such offenders to avail of treatment programmes because the terms of their sentences exclude them from the remit of the parole board.

How often does the parole board meet the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform? How often does he request and receive reports from it? Does the board have a backlog of cases to consider?

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