Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be eligible for early release from prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24032/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The person referred to is serving a life sentence for murder since December 1992. His case was reviewed by the Interim Parole Board in early 2002 and, following that review, the then Minister agreed to his transfer to the Training Unit. His temporary release programme was suspended in 2003 when he tested positive for cannabis on his return to the Training Unit. He was subsequently transferred to Wheatfield Prison, but returned to the Training Unit in January 2004.

Following a review of his case in February 2005, he was encouraged to engage with the therapeutic services available in the Training Unit in order to address specific concerns about his behaviour which had been highlighted in previous reviews. In light of his reported progress during this particular process I decided to approve his participation in a community based work and training programme, on a part-time basis. His participation and behaviour on this scheme will determine whether approval is granted in the future for an increase in the amount of time per week he is allowed to engage with this type of programme. Officials of the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform are currently putting in place the necessary arrangements for this process to commence. His case will, of course, continue to be kept under review.