137 prisoners granted temporary release for Christmas 2025
Eva Osborne
137 prisoners are set to be granted varying periods of temporary release this Christmas.
The periods of release vary from a few hours to seven nights.
The Irish Prison Service said many of the prisoners being released are nearing the end of their sentences, and the overriding concern when considering the applications is the safety of the public.
In addition to compassionate and humane considerations, the prison service said other criteria taken into account include:
- The nature and gravity of the offence;
- The length of sentence served to date;
- Prior record on temporary release;
- Behaviour while in custody;
- Previous criminal history.
All releases are subject to stringent conditions and any offender who breaks these conditions may be arrested and returned to prison by the An Gardaí Síochána, Irish Prison Service said.
"The sensitivities of victims are also taken into account. Additional specific conditions will apply in relation to registered victim cases.
"Furthermore, all registered victims with the Irish Prison Service Victim Liaison Service will be informed in the cases where prisoners receive Christmas Temporary Release."
