Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1134: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if there was provision in the Lisbon treaty regarding early prisoner release or greater credit for good behaviour; if this provision has been put in place here; the category of prison to which it refers; and the details of the process and procedure for a prisoner to follow to avail of this provision. [33039/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy of the arrangements for remission of prison sentences currently available in our domestic legislation. The Prison Rules, 2007, (S.I. 252/07) provide a regulatory framework for the governance of our prisons. Within these rules there is provision for prisoners to earn remission at the rate of 25% of their sentences by virtue of good conduct (Rule 59(1)). In exceptional circumstances, and where a prisoner has demonstrated a particular commitment to rehabilitation, a rate of 33% may be earned (Rule 59(2)). However this rate of remission has only been granted once since the coming into effect of the Rules in 2007. The Lisbon Treaty does not address the issue of early prisoner release or greater credit for good behaviour.