Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 265: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of representations by TDs, Senators and councillors that he has received since taking office relating to persons released or servicing sentences in the State penal system, including the name of the elected representatives and the nature of the offence to which they relate. [5334/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I want to put on the record of this House that, at no time since my appointment as Minister, have I ever directed the early release of any prisoner on foot of representation from any quarter. I further want to put on the record of this House that at no time since my appointment as Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform in June 2002 have I ever exercised my powers to commute or remit any sentence on foot of representations from any party.

In any given year hundreds of letters and phone calls raising issues about the welfare, or treatment, or living conditions of those in custody are received by my Department and by the Irish Prison Service. All of the enquiries to my Department are referred to the management of the Irish Prison Service for examination.

It would not be possible in the time available to ascertain the nature of the query or offence in each case but queries are raised on a very wide variety of issues relating to individual prisoners, including sentence management of offenders on behalf of their victims or the families of victims. Given the volume and variety of queries raised, it would not be fair to compile a list of recorded enquiries.