Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

One of the objectives in the programme for Government was the establishment of the independent Parole Board, and I welcome the steps that were taken recently. I note that according to Radio Kerry the chairperson is a Kerrywoman. The process will now give a statutory right for the voice of victims of crime to be heard. This was desperately needed and is welcome. We cannot underestimate the power and strength it gives to a victim of crime to have an input into the future of someone who has changed, and sometimes destroyed, their lives. It is important for the voices of victims to be heard, respected and understood in this regard. It is my understanding that, since it recently became operational, new reports have been made available detailing the wait facing offenders due to come before the courts about their parole hearings, but the ultimate focus here is that the wait is also facing victims, and that is concerning.

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