Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if drug offenders convicted to less than ten year sentences in prison are eligible for consideration for extra remission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4317/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As previously advised to the Deputy, Section 59 (2) of the Prison Rules, 2007 allows for the discretionary granting of additional remission, up to one third as opposed to the standard rate of one quarter, where a prisoner has shown further good conduct through his/her engagement in authorised structured activity and where, as a result, the prisoner is less likely to re-offend and will be better able to reintegrate into the community.

I can further advise that while prisoners, including those convicted of drug offences will be eligible for consideration for this concession, the additional concession will only be awarded in exceptional cases and where I am satisfied beyond any doubt that the prisoner concerned has demonstrated that he meets the requirements as set out in the Prison Rules.