§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are their intentions concerning effective pre-release procedures for prisoners in English prisons who are nearing the end of their sentences and whose families are permanently resident in Northern Ireland.
Earl FerrersThe Prison Service runs a range of pre-release courses to assist prisoners to cope with 9WA major resettlement problems and, wherever possible, account is taken of prisoners' residential intentions on release.
By 1996, all prisons should have courses running. In addition to being able to receive visits from family members, prisoners who are nearing the end of their sentences and who are eligible for temporary release may be granted home leave within the United Kingdom provided that they present no risk to public safety.
Most prisoners who are sentenced to over 14 days and who are returning to Northern Ireland on release are eligible for a discharge grant and receive payment of their fare home.