Some 300 prisoners - nine per cent of the prison population - will be released for Christmas, the Minister for Justice said today.
Mr McDowell said the number was broadly in line with the numbers let out of jail for Christmas in previous years.
Many of the prisoners being let out are nearing the end of their sentences, while others are serving short sentences.
As well as "compassionate and humane considerations" other criteria taken into account by the Prison Service include the gravity of the offence committed, the length of the sentence served so far, prior record on temporary release and previous criminal history.
The length of time the prisoners will be allowed out varies from a few hours to up to nine nights.
