Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 216: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 who failed to return to prison following a short period on temporary release has again been granted temporary release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30494/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that the person referred to by the Deputy failed to return to the Training Unit on 20 January, 2006 having been granted a short period of temporary release for humanitarian reasons. He was returned to prison custody by Gardaí on 5 June, 2006 and was transferred to the Midlands Prison on 8 June, 2006.

His case was subsequently discussed at a local review meeting in the Midlands Prison. These meetings facilitate the exchange of information and aid decision making with respect to the management of prisoners' sentences. They are chaired by the Governor with the attendance of senior prison management, Probation staff, chaplains, teachers, other prison staff and an official from the Prisons Service Headquarters. Following consideration of his case at this meeting a transfer to Shelton Abbey was approved. This transfer took place on 17 August, 2006 and was on the basis that he would not benefit from enhanced remission.

While in Shelton Abbey he made a number of applications for temporary release which were refused. He absconded from Shelton Abbey on 23 September, 2006 and is, therefore, unlawfully at large. The Gardaí are now seeking this fugitive. If past experience is any guide he will be soon returned to prison custody.

I am grateful to the Deputy for bringing this matter to my attention. Given the unusual sequence of events and circumstances of this case, I have asked for a full report.