The figure is a slight decline on 2015, when 108 were granted leave.

The periods of temporary release have been granted for varying periods from 23 December 2016 until 3 January 2017. Conditions have been placed on all successful applicants.

There are 35 prisoners being released from Magilligan Prison and 51 from Maghaberry Prison. Four young men and three women are being released from Hydebank Wood College.

Each prisoner has been the subject of a satisfactory risk assessment and has either successfully completed a home leave programme or undergone periods of unaccompanied testing in the community.

At unlock this morning, 1,445 prisoners were being held in prisons in Northern Ireland.