The senate is poised to reject cabinet plans to allow more prisoners to sit out the last period of their sentences at home via electronic tagging.

During Tuesday’s debate on the plans, senators criticised the clause which will allow civil servants not judges to decide who is suitable for electronic tagging. They also disagree with the use of ankle monitors as a way to cut costs.

The government’s most important advisory body, the Council of State, and senior judges have already criticised the plan. The government does not have a majority in the upper house of parliament.

Senators will vote next week but junior justice minister Fred Teeven has already admitted it is unlikely the bill will be passed, the Volkskrant said.