About 300 prisoners were granted temporary release this Christmas. This is roughly 9 per cent of the prison population and almost exactly the same proportion as in previous years.
Many being released are nearing the end of their sentences, while others are serving short sentences, according to the Department of Justice.
"The overriding concern in consideration for Christmas release from prisoners is the safety of the public," the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, said in a statement.
"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, if any, and previous criminal history."
The periods of release vary from a few hours, sometimes accompanied by a responsible person, to up to nine nights.
All releases are subject to stringent conditions which usually include a requirement to report regularly to the local Garda station.
"Any offender who breaks these conditions may be arrested and returned immediately to prison by gardaí," the statement said.