A total of 666 prisoners were released on a temporary basis on at least one occasion in 2015, but the number has declined in each consecutive year.

Just 425 prisoners were released on a temporary basis in 2019, a 36 decline over five years, or an average of seven per cent per year.

The figures were revealed by Justice Minister Naomi Long in response to a written question in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Ms Long added: “Temporary release from prison is granted by the Prison Service for a number of reasons, for example on compassionate grounds or as part of a process aimed at reintegrating prisoners.”