In 1996, the family of Joyce Quinn were devastated when their loving and beloved wife and mother was brutally raped and murdered. The communities of Milltown, Kildare town, the wider County Kildare and the country were appalled when everything about the horrific murder emerged. The family, who have had to live with their loss ever since, now have to deal with the possibility of the murderer being released on parole. Milltown and Kildare town are small communities and it would be devastating for the family members to have to deal with facing Joyce's murderer. Three years ago, my colleague, Deputy O'Callaghan, introduced the Parole Bill 2016, which would, among other measures, provide for restrictions to be imposed on released prisoners, such as restricting them from certain areas or from being near certain people. Unfortunately, however, the Bill remains sitting on Committee Stage. When will it proceed through Fourth and Fifth Stages and be enacted? It is important in order that families such as the Quinns and others in such devastating circumstances will not have to be faced with such a scenario.

While it would be inappropriate of me to comment on an individual case, which I am sure the Deputy will accept, the Parole Bill 2016 is a priority in my Department.

There are ongoing discussions with the promoter of the Bill, Deputy O'Callaghan, who has been kept fully informed and is assisting with the drafting of some amendments which are necessary to facilitate further passage of the legislation. I accept what the Deputy has said and am keen to progress matters over the next few months.