Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has confirmed that 226 prisoners will be granted varying periods of temporary release this Christmas, compared with 160 last year.
This figure represents approximately 4% of the overall prison population.
The Department of Justice said the prisoners being released are nearing the end of their sentences.
It said the overriding concern when considering the applications was the safety of the public.
The periods of release vary from a few hours up to seven nights.
Former billionaire Seán Quinn is among the prisoners granted temporary release.
He will be allowed to spend three days with his family over the festive period.
