Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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750. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress on repealing enactments providing for the ineligibility of those serving presumptive minimum sentences for temporary release and parole, as recommended in her Department’s review of minimum sentences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44597/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, a review of minimum sentences was carried out by my Department in accordance section 29 of the Judicial Council Act 2019.

The resulting report, which was laid before the Oireachtas in May 2024, recommended the repeal of statutory provisions which provide that persons sentenced to the presumptive minimum term of imprisonment for various offences are ineligible for temporary release and parole.

However, these recommendations have not been adopted by the Government.

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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751. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress or findings of research by her Department and the Irish Prison Service on the outcomes of those being held on remand who subsequently receive no conviction or a sentence that does not result in imprisonment, as referred to in the report of the Prison Overcrowding Response Group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44598/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy in aware, in July 2023, a Prison Overcrowding Response Group was established, composed of officials from the Department of Justice and representatives from relevant agencies, to consider measures to address capacity issues in the prison estate.

A number of actions recommended by the Group are being implemented. These actions include developing new, innovative responses to deliver structured temporary release for suitable prisoners, progressing actions to increase the use of community service as a priority, and advancing legislative changes to support the delivery of community-based sanctions more generally.

The recommendation referred to by the Deputy is one of a number of research projects that are to be progressed by my Department over the coming period.