Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 237: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a prisoner (details supplied) will be eligible for early release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32786/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The person referred to by the Deputy is serving two sentences of 6 years and one sentence of 3 years, all to run concurrently, in the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise and is due for release with normal remission on 9 February, 2008.

On 26 November, 2002 at Limerick Circuit Court the prisoner was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment on each of 23 counts of Buggery contrary to common law as provided for in section 61 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 and 3 years imprisonment on 24 counts of Indecent Assault contrary to common law as provided for in section 62 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. These sentences are to run concurrently from 11 November, 2002.

In addition at Clare Circuit Court on 2 November, 2004 the same person was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment on 1 count of Buggery contrary to common law as provided for in section 61 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 and 6 years imprisonment on 1 count of Indecent Assault contrary to common law as provided for in section 62 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. These sentences are to run concurrently and commenced on 11 November, 2003.

In view of the very serious nature of these offences, I am not prepared to authorise any form of early release in this case.