Almost 90% of requests for parole considered from prisoners in Irish jails were turned down last year, with some applicants “still posing a potential risk” after over 20 years in prison.
The Parole Board’s annual report for 2023 outlined how it handled 81 cases and issued 75 decisions, with just eight parole orders granted.
Of those who had parole orders granted, the shortest amount of time served in prison was 18 years, with the longest 41 years.
Under the Parole Act 2019, the Parole Board was placed on a statutory footing with the power to make final decisions on the release of eligible prisoners. The act increased the number of years before a life-sentenced prisoner can become eligible for their first parole review to 12 years.
The act also allowed for submissions to be made by family members of victims in relation to the parole application.
Parole Board chair Michael White said: “Of the 81 cases considered in 2023, the families of deceased victims engaged in 47 cases, representing 58% of engagement. The trauma experienced by these families has not lessened over time.
“The families welcomed the right to be heard and make representations to the Board, but some were critical of the right of applicants refused parole, to reapply after two years.”
At the end of last year, the Parole Board said it was engaging with 266 victims in 106 parole applications. In some cases, there were no victim details available or the victim did not wish to participate in the process.
On the issue of those not granted parole, Mr White said there were “a number” of applicants who have served over 20 years who had served “enough time”, in the view of the Parole Board, but “still pose a potential risk”.
“It may be that they are institutionalised or need to do further work with the relevant services, which prevented the granting of parole,” he said.
He added that there were significant problems for applicants who were eligible for parole in accessing housing.
“Those who were granted parole, sometimes found it extremely difficult to access housing prior to their release,” Mr White said.
From lodging an application to the time of the decision, the process can take 18 months according to the Parole Board which hit out at its under resourcing in the annual report.
Its chief executive Ciairín de Buis said: “Resources, and resourcing, are a challenge across the public service and the Parole Board is no different.
“In particular, the Parole Board is working with inadequate staffing, and in the absence of a Case Management System.” She added that her agency looks forward to working with the Department of Justice to develop and roll out a “fit for purpose” case management system in future.
Furthermore, given the time it takes to request reports, meet families of victims and the applicants for parole, Mr White added that finalising 85-90 cases a year is a “realistic work programme”.
