TD defends query over release for drug dealer

A Fine Gael TD has said it was “legitimate” to table a Dáil question asking if a drug dealer would be granted compassionate release from prison to attend a niece’s Communion.

Bernard Durkan said his question was part of a long-running campaign by him to throw light on the workings of the Prison Service.

The Kildare North politician said the Prison Service was not consistent in how it operated schemes like temporary release, transfers from closed to open prisons, and access to rehabilitative or training programmes.