Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of his decision to establish the Parole Board on a statutory basis in 2011, the date on which the heads of the Parole Board Bill will be published; if he intends to have a further consultation period before bringing forward such a Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38641/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I announced my intention last year to enact legislation to place the interim Parole Board on a statutory footing which I believe will help to strengthen the Board and improve its functions. As I said before, my Department is currently considering exactly what role a statutory Parole Board should play, what powers it should have, and the implications of same with a view to preparing the Heads of a Bill. I do not have a date as yet but it is intended that the Heads, when finalised, will be forwarded to the Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality for its consideration.