Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoners on temporary release at the latest date for which figures are available; the highest number on temporary release on any date during the past year; the average number of prisoners on temporary release during the year; the steps he is taking to deal with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5606/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have been advised that on 3 February 2010 there were 610 prisoners serving sentences of definite duration on temporary release. The numbers of such prisoners on temporary release fluctuates on a daily basis and to date in the year 2010, the numbers have fluctuated between slightly above 500 to slightly above 600.

The Criminal Justice Act, 1960 as amended by the Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act 2003 sets out the framework for the temporary release of prisoners. Prisoners may be granted temporary release to assess a person's ability to reintegrate into society, to prepare him or her for release, to assist the Gardaí, on grounds of health, on other humanitarian grounds, to ensure the good government of prison and to maintain good order and humane and just management of the prisons. All prisoners on temporary release are subject to conditions and are returned to prison if their behaviour gives rise to concern. Public safety is the paramount consideration in any decision on granting temporary release.