A total of 138 prisoners have been approved for temporary release this Christmas, with the periods of release ranging from a few hours up to seven nights.
Many of the prisoners being released are nearing the end of their sentences and the "overriding concern when considering the applications is the safety of the public".
In addition to compassionate and humane considerations, other criteria taken into account include the nature and gravity of the offence, length of sentence served to date, prior record on temporary release, behaviour while in custody and previous criminal history.
The periods of release vary from a few hours up to seven nights. All releases are subject to stringent conditions and any offender who "breaks these conditions may be arrested and returned immediately to prison by the gardaí".
The sensitivities of victims are an issue that has also been taken into account, according to An Garda Síochána.
A statement from the Irish Prison Service read: "Additional specific conditions will also apply in relation to victim cases. Furthermore all registered victims with the Irish Prison Service Victim Liaison Service will be informed in the cases where prisoners are receiving Christmas Temporary Release."
Below is the figures of temporary release over the last few years:
