The murder of Mrs Nancy Nolan by a prisoner on day release was an "appalling outrage", the Minister for Justice told the Dail. Mr O'Donoghue outlined the terms of reference of the review of all aspects of the case and hoped that the investigation by Mr John Olden would be completed at an early date. The Minister stressed that the review would be published "the moment it comes to hand".

He told Fine Gael's justice spokesman, Mr Alan Shatter, that temporary release or parole undoubtedly has a "large element of risk" which requires careful consideration and the paramount concern is the safety of the public.

He said the investigation would review and report on the management of the offender's sentences for murder up to his conviction on December 5th, 2000, for a second murder, that of Mrs Nolan on February 14th while on day release from Castlerea prison. It would also specifically report on the procedures followed and their adequacy leading to the granting or revocation of temporary release periods to the prisoner.