IRA prisoner Patrick Kelly, transferred from Northern Ireland to Portlaoise prison earlier this year, has been granted temporary release for the treatment of skin cancer.
Kelly (48), who had been serving a 25-year sentence for attempted murder and possessing explosives, was moved across the Border in May. His release was authorised by the Minister for Justice, Ms Owen. His condition is understood to have worsened and to require prolonged treatment in a non-prison hospital. It was not immediately clear how long Kelly's release would last.