Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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206. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of recommendations of the Parole Board that have been sent to her Department for decision that have not yet been decided; the delay between receipt of recommendations from the Parole Board and decisions; the number of cases in which this delay is more than a month; the reason for this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24948/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the existing Parole Board is a non-statutory body that makes informed recommendations to the Minister for Justice about the management of a given prisoner’s sentence, based on such factors as the prisoner's progress to date in dealing with their offending behaviour, the degree to which the prisoner has engaged with the various therapeutic services and how best to proceed with the future administration of the sentence. The Board reviews the cases of prisoners sentenced to determinate sentences of eight years or more and life sentenced prisoners who have reached the seven year point in their sentence.

The process continues over many years and throughout the term of imprisonment of the prisoner. The process is not simply concerned with recommendations to release but rather recommendations which build towards enhancing the prospects of rehabilitation.

The final decision regarding the recommendations of the Parole Board lies with the Minister for Justice, who can accept them in their entirety, in part or reject them.

Decisions have been made and notified to relevant prisoners on all recommendations up to January 2021. The position in relation to the recommendations received since then is set out in the table beneath.

Following receipt of recommendations from the Parole Board, detailed submissions based on the reports received with those recommendations are prepared for the Minister’s consideration. The remaining recommendations will be finalised as soon as possible.