Seanad debates

Wednesday, 8 October 2003

Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Bill 2001: Second Stage.

 

I wonder if applications for the release of prisoners could be made by a broader group of people. Section 2(2)(h)(iv) of the Bill refers to "any other person whom the Minister considers would be of assistance in enabling him to make a decision as to whether to give a direction under subsection (1) that relates to the person concerned." It strikes me that under the terms of the Bill, unless a prisoner has an advocate in court or in prison it may become difficult for him or her to be considered for release. I wonder if there is any way in which applications could be invited, perhaps even from members of the public who know the person and who might write to say that the person was not so bad, or looked after the children and so on. In that way the people with the best advocates might not necessarily get the most preferential treatment, a state of affairs which occurs so often in this life, as Members are aware. Those who can pay for the best advice are the most likely to do best in the long run.

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