Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 414: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the budget provided to the parole board for each of the past five years; if he will confirm his intention to establish the parole board as an independent statutory body; the reasons for this decision; if he will estimate the additional annual budget required for the first year of operation as an independent board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31137/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The budgetary allocations provided to the Parole Board along with the actual spend for the past five years are set out in the accompanying table. The spend for this year will not be known until year end.

I recently announced my intention to enact legislation to place the interim Parole Board on a statutory footing. I believe this will help to strengthen the Parole Board and improve its functions and, while it may not be possible to introduce the relevant legislation this year, it is my hope to do so next year. In that context, I will be considering exactly what role it will play and what powers it should have. The budget required for the first year of operation will also be a matter for consideration.