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.
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- Life Sentences and Whole Life Orders - IPRT
- Liberties EU Rule of Law Report 2025
- Irish Times: Overcrowded prisons and breaches of human rights
- IPRT letter to the Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee consultation on guidelines for crimes committed in the context of an intimate relationship
