Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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381. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the conditions and criteria for transferring a prisoner from a closed prison to an open facility. [27890/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that prisoners being considered by the Irish Prison Service for a transfer from a closed prison to an Open Centre are identified by a number of different means but primarily on the recommendation of the Prison Governor or the therapeutic services in the prisons. The prisoner, their family or their legal representative can also apply for consideration of such a concession. Recommendations are also made to me in relation to long term sentenced prisoners by the Parole Board. It is important to note that it does not necessarily follow that a prisoner will receive a transfer to an Open Centre even if the recommendation is to that effect. The criteria considered for the transfer of prisoners from closed prisons to open centres include: the safety of the public (specifically flight risk in the case of open centres); compassionate and humane considerations (including facilitating family visits); nature and gravity of the offence; length of sentence served to date; length of sentence left to serve; prior record on temporary release; behaviour in prison; previous criminal history; family support; addiction issues/history; prisoner's home address. Prisoners serving short sentences, i.e. under 12 months, can be moved to an open centre shortly after committal. Other longer term prisoners being prepared for the transition back into the community can be considered for moves with about 2 years left in their sentence. Exceptional prisoners who are engaging strongly with the therapeutic services can sometimes be considered for a transfer with up to 4 years left to serve in their sentence.

All decision making staff and prison governors are aware of the need to take appropriate account of all the criteria to be applied to decision making in a balanced and considered manner.