Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to put on the record that the average length of time a life sentence prisoner will serve is approximately 20 years. The length of time before such prisoners can come before the parole board is now 12 years, which has increased from nine years. The period of 20 years acknowledges that people do serve this length of time. For me what is important is not only making sure the sentences match the crime and that we give judges discretion but also the impact this has on victims or their family members or survivors. To know somebody is even being considered for parole after 12 years when such an horrendous crime is involved can be traumatic and retraumatise victims. Even though it seems like a long time it is not really and we know this. For me this is important. It is done in other jurisdictions. The Law Reform Commission notes the only completely mandatory sentencing in Ireland is life sentence for murder. It also notes that judges have no discretion here, most impose a life sentence and they do not even have the power to suggest a specific minimum sentence, unlike the position in other jurisdictions. For example, in Northern Ireland a judge can recommend a minimum term that must be served. It is about giving this discretion. It is not about telling judges what they should or should not do. It is acknowledging that, on average, people serve 20 years. We should not put undue pressure on victims and victims' families by allowing some people to come before the parole board after the shorter length 12 years or that a judge would make that decision.

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