22nd December 2023
On 19 December 2023, the Irish Prison Service released the figures for the number of people who would be released on temporary release during the Christmas period.
"139 prisoners will be granted varying periods of temporary release this Christmas under the Criminal Justice Act 1960. This figure represents 3% of the overall prisoner population." - Irish Prison Service
Despite record numbers of people in prison this year, the proportion of people receiving Christmas Temporary Release has not increased in line with this. Maintaining family relationships is a strong protective factor against reoffending after release. Family contact through Temporary Release is crucial in this.
For people in prison who are not granted temporary release - including recent committals, people on remand, and those whose families live abroad - holidays are particularly tough. Not everyone has had their request granted including people in open prison who regularly receive Temporary Release.
IPRT is also thinking about the negative impact on children and families when a loved one who is in prison is unable to spend time with them especially when they had hoped or expected that they might. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by imprisonment this festive period.
Read the Irish Prison Service press release on Christmas Temporary Release for 2023 here.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.