Up to 137 prisoners will be released for Christmas, Justice Minister Brian Lenihan announced today.
This figure represents about 4 per cent of the prison population and is a significant reduction on the 238 inmates let out last year.
"The prisoners being released are coming towards the end of their sentences and the overriding concern when considering the applications was the safety of the public," said Mr Lenihan.
As well as compassionate and humane considerations, other criteria taken into account include the nature and gravity of the offence, the 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 to up to 10 nights.
Mr Lenihan added: "All releases are subject to stringent conditions, which in the vast majority of cases includes a requirement to report to his or her local Garda station. Any offender who breaks these conditions may be arrested and returned immediately to prison by the Gardai."
Provisions for the temporary release of prisoners are contained in the Criminal Justice Act 1960.