The number of prisoners who will be granted temporary release over the Christmas period has fallen by 31 when compared to last year.
Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said today that 107 prisoners will be granted temporary release under the Criminal Justice Act 1960, compared to 138 last Christmas.
The prisoners being released are all nearing the end of their sentences and are not considered to be a risk to the public.
The number of prisoners being given temporary release is equivalent to 2.5 per cent of the total prisoner population, said Mr Ahern
Typical periods of release vary from a few hours, with prisoners in some cases accompanied by another responsible person, up to 7 nights.
All releases are subject to stringent conditions, which in the vast majority of cases includes a requirement to report to his or her local Garda station. Any offender who breaks these conditions may be arrested and returned immediately to prison by the Garda.
Separately, the Prison Service of Northern Ireland has granted 72 prisoners temporary release for varying periods from today until 2nd January 2009. This compares to 82 last year.
Applications from 98 prisoners were refused, the Prison Service said.
