asked the Minister for Justice whether it is proposed to operate this year the system of parole for certain prisoners for the Christmas season; and, if so, if he will indicate its nature.

As I already announced on 10th December, the 16th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights, it is my intention, in honour of Christmas, to grant release on 23rd December to 40 prisoners of good conduct and industry whose sentences would expire shortly afterwards and to grant 35 prisoners ten days temporary release as from the same day.

The Minister does not propose to write to the relatives in advance telling them what he is proposing to do?

We will leave that to the Deputy.

The Minister is a little worried about letters, perhaps.