126 Mr. Reynolds asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider restoring, on a month-by-month basis, the parole arrangements for republican prisoners in Portlaoise Prison, County Laois, which were suspended after the breakdown in the IRA ceasefire in view of the fact that these prisoners remain very strongly on the side of peace and will be an influential factor in efforts to restore the ceasefire. [9418/96]

The full restoration of the parole arrangements which existed immediately prior to the resumption of violence on 9 February last is something which will fall to be considered when the ceasefire is restored.

In the meantime the position is that each parole application will be considered on its merits.