Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 338: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if all prisoners covered by the Good Friday Agreement have now been released; if not, the reason any such prisoner has not been released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27349/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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All prisoners specified as "qualifying prisoners" in accordance with section 3(2) of the Criminal Justice (Release of Prisoners) Act 1998 have had their cases forwarded to the Release of Prisoners Commission for its advice. The recommendations of the commission were followed in each case and all but one person has now been released from custody.

In regard to this case, the Release of Prisoners Commission has advised that this person should be released but only following an appropriate pre-release programme involving stringent conditions. As part of the first phase, this individual has been receiving regular short periods of temporary release.

I am reviewing the case and will consider the next steps to be taken in the light of all the information and views I receive.