RTÉ Radio 1: Judges may be able to recommend minimum sentences under new Government plans
7th August 2024
On 7 August 2024, Irish Penal Reform Trust Executive Director featured on RTÉ Radio 1 on the Today with the Claire Byrne Show discussing the news that judges may be able to recommend minimum sentences under new Government plans.
Saoirse questioned if the legislation is necessary as we have a robust system already. On the bill she welcomed that if the legislation passes, the decisions will be non-binding so the Parole Board can retain the authority to make the final decisions for life sentences. She also called for sentencing guidelines to be published to assist judges.
Saoirse has noted that Ireland has the highest rate of people serving life sentences in Europe - nearly 10% compared to 3.2% elsewhere. Currently, there are 350 people serving life sentences serving a life sentence of 25 years or more.
Related items:
- Prison overcrowding group to meet after capacity crisis warning
- Continued reliance on ‘single separation' of children at Oberstown detention centre
- IPRT Submission to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights on the fourth Universal Periodic Review of Ireland
- Crime and class Who really ends up behind bars in Ireland?
- Inmates still earn just 50c for a day's work in Irish prisons
