28th November 2001

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Rights should not be removed

Sinn Fein Councillor Martin Ferris today voiced his concern at reports that prisoners in Portlaoise were injured on Friday night following a decision to refuse compassionate parole to a prisoner whose child is ill. Cllr Ferris said:

`` There is concern that prisoners in Portlaoise were injured on Friday night. This is fed by a decision to refuse compassionate parole to a prisoner whose child is ill. The prisoner is due for release in two months and most people will see no reason for refusing him compassionate parole.

``The prison authorities should resist the temptation to use this to remove visiting rights especially in the run up to Christmas. The removal of such rights would inevitably lead to further tensions.''ENDS

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