Perhaps I should know this, but who authorises the parole? Is it the prison governor, an official of the Department, or does it go as high as the Minister?

There are guidelines set down for cases such as this. The Minister has the final responsibility. It is not the prison governor. Someone acting in the Department on my behalf and with my authority will take the decision on cases such as this.

Would every parole application reach the Minister's desk?

They would, yes. I should say that normally they do. I cannot say every one of them would.

Any one about which there might be a substantial doubt would reach the Minister's desk but a routine one would not go that high up?

If there is a substantial doubt and if the person acting on my behalf is not sure that it comes strictly within the defined guidelines, he consults me on it.

Did this case come to the Minister personally?

The Deputy appreciates that I have responsibility for all of them whether or not I see them.

The Minister is telling me he did not receive this one?

I am not telling the Deputy anything.

He is telling me he did receive this one?

I am not telling the Deputy anything.