Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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276. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to review the parole system (details supplied) in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48946/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I published the Report of the Penal Policy Review Group on 17 September, 2014.

The Report contains 43 recommendations, some of which can be implemented in the short to medium term, while others will require a more long term approach. As an initial step, I recently obtained the agreement, in principle, of Government to proceed immediately with the implementation of a number of key recommendations including bringing forward legislative proposals to establish the Parole Board on an independent statutory basis.

I believe this will help to strengthen the Board and improve its functions. My Department is currently considering the matter in more detail ahead of presenting proposal for legislation.