Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if a convicted drug dealer (details supplied) who absconded having been granted a temporary release from prison remains at large; if he will provide the exact offence for which they were convicted; the length of sentence imposed; the date when granted temporary release and the steps being taken by An Garda Síochána to ascertain their whereabouts since they absconded. [35224/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The person referred to was given a cumulative sentence totalling 4 years imprisonment in October, 2007 for a number of sentences including no insurance, dangerous driving and assault. Following a sentence management review in mid 2009, the prisoner in question was deemed suitable for a transfer to an open centre and was transferred to Shelton Abbey on 5 September 2009.

I am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that he absconded from Shelton Abbey on 11 October, 2009 and that he remains unlawfully at large. Gardaí were notified of his status by the prison staff on the same date. I am also advised that at no stage was the prisoner in question granted temporary release during this sentence. Section 7 of the Criminal Justice Act 1960 Act provides that a person unlawfully-at-large may be arrested without warrant by a member of the Garda Síochána where that member suspects the person to be unlawfully-at-large. The Act also provides that the member may take such a person to the place in which he is required in accordance with law to be detained. Every effort is made by members of An Garda Síochána to return all such persons to custody.