Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is a corollary that if one were to remove the mandatory life sentence for murder, it would deal with the problem in another way in respect of that specific group, which I have argued before, because currently there is no incentive for them to plead guilty. I accept Mr Costello's point that it should be built in.

In terms of the 29 prisoners who refuse to participate in the parole process, what proportion are they of the overall prisoners who are eligible for consideration? Does Mr Costello think that should be changed in the legislation? Should it be possible for prisoners to participate in parole without losing the rights and privileges they are currently fearful of losing?