To ask the Minister of Justice (i) whether she will continue with a previously proposed early-release scheme for prisoners in order to free-up space in prisons; and (ii) to provide details around eligibility criteria.

The Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) operated a temporary release scheme during the Covid 19 pandemic. This provided for the temporary release of certain categories of prisoners during the last 3 months of their sentence. Its purpose was to provide each prisoner with single cell accommodation, an important aspect of the steps NIPS took to prevent the spread of coronavirus in its establishments. There are no plans to re-start this scheme to deal with the current increase in population.

NIPS has also operated a Conditional Early Release Scheme since June 2015. This provides for the early release of some prisoners on a supervised licence. Applicants must meet a range of criteria, including a number of statutory and non-statutory exclusions. Successful candidates must also demonstrate that they pose a low likelihood of re-offending; that they have been of good behaviour whilst in custody; that they have approved, stable and supportive accommodation in the community; and that they have complied fully with all conditions imposed during any periods of temporary release. I currently have no plans to expand this scheme however, the increase in the prisoner population and the difficulties that is placing upon the operational effectiveness of the Prison Service is a matter I am keeping under close review.