Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 571: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to the enclosed correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18964/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The author of the correspondence is serving a 40-year prison sentence for the capital murder of Garda Sergeant Patrick Morrissey. He had originally been sentenced to death for this horrific and callous crime and the sentence was commuted to one of 40 years by President Patrick Hillary on 29 May 1986. I am satisfied that this person is detained in accordance with law and I am not prepared to interfere with the sentence handed down. The Deputy should also be aware that it is not my function, nor would it be appropriate, for me to afford legal advice to prisoners.