The transfer of one of the State's longest-serving prisoners to an open jail has been welcomed by human rights campaigners.
Ms Aisling Reidy, director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, said she believed it was now appropriate for convicted murderer Malcolm Macarthur to be released.
Ms Reidy said Macarthur's transfer yesterday was a positive move. "The reality is that Macarthur is one of the longest-serving prisoners," she told Irish radio. "He has been in jail now for over 20 years and his release has in fact been recommended by the parole board".
Ms Reidy said: "I certainly think the conditions are there for Macarthur to be released. She said that in accordance with human rights law he should only serve the term recommended by the parole board."At the end of the day people aren't kept in prison because we don't like them, because there is strong public opinion. "People are in prison for a crime they have committed then they are released when they are no longer a threat to society".
Depending on his progress at Shelton Abbey, Co Wicklow, Macarthur may be free in 12 months, when his case is due to be assessed again.
Macarthur was jailed for life for the 1982 killing of nurse Bridie Gargan, who was beaten to death while sunbathing in Dublin's Phoenix Park.
He was arrested at the home in Dalkey, Co Dublin, of Attorney General Patrick Connolly, who subsequently resigned amid a controversy that also involved the-then Taoiseach, Mr Charles Haughey.
Mr Haughey famously described the events surrounding his government colleague as "grotesque, unprecedented, bizarre and unbelievable".
PA