Seanad debates
Wednesday, 22 October 2003
Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Bill 2001: Report and Final Stages.
All the things the Minister must have regard to are either neutral or negative. In the Bill the purposes of temporary release come across positively, but the issues covered by section 1(2)(1)(a) to (k), inclusive, in terms of what the Minister must have regard to are all either negative or neutral. If one considers the issue of temporary release and why it is a good thing, the Minister should have regard to reasons which are more positive as well as considering the potential dangers of such release. I am talking about humanitarian considerations and any efforts made by the prisoner towards rehabilitation. The Minister of State may say that the Minister has regard for that, but if that is the case, it should be in the legislation. I am interested in the comments of the Minister for State.
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