Irish Penal Reform Trust Raises Concerns About New Parole Laws.

Friday, 13 August 2021 09:49

Someone sentenced to life must now serve at least 12 years before being eligible for parole.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust says it's concerned new parole laws could lead to prisoners spending a lot more time in closed prisons.

The changes, which came into effect yesterday, mean someone sentenced to life must serve at least 12 years before being eligible for parole.

Yesterday marked an important day for criminal justice in Ireland.

A new statutory Parole Board has been established + the Parole Act 2019 has been commenced.

The parole process is now on a statutory footing, which IPRT has campaigned on for many years.https://t.co/p1YFfn9TEq pic.twitter.com/HHnxeP2gm1
— Irish Penal Reform Trust (@IPRT) August 12, 2021

They could previously apply after serving 7 years.

Molly Joyce is Legal and Public Affairs Manager at the Irish Penal Reform Trust.

She joined Clem Ryan on Friday's edition of Kildare Today.

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