Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, as I indicated to the Deputy, we are already along the road towards implementing a series of the proposals. As he knows, one of my objectives and hopes during the lifetime of the Government is that we would also put the parole board on a statutory footing. That is another important measure I hope we will have the opportunity to address, but because of the legislative programme I know it will not happen in 2014. I want to have visibility as we move into the autumn as to the timeframe for doing this.

I very much welcome the report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. It is examining issues and travelling routes that have informed part of the strategic plan. On changing the rules for remission and when people might be released, I am deliberately waiting for the report of the review group which is not just composed of departmental officials but of others such as representatives of the Irish Penal Reform Trust. We have effected reforms in the Irish Prison Service, with the objectives the Deputy outlined – to reduce offending, assist prisoners when they are released to obtain employment and protect the public. To date, we have achieved more reforms in three years than occurred in the previous 30 years. It is my intention to continue along these lines. The head of the Irish Prison Service is excellent and provides huge support. The connectivity between the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service on the joint strategic plan is unique. It has not occurred before and is substantially in the public interest. There is great advantage in having joined-up thinking in these areas and the level of connectivity now achieved.

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