· Minister welcomes first-ever public launch of annual report and
statistics.
· Minister notes that length of time served in prison before parole has
increased from 7 ½ years in the 1970’s to 18 years now.
· Minister commits to implementation of EU Directive on Victim Rights.
Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Justice and Equality has today launched
the Parole Board Annual Report for 2013.
The Minister used the launch to publicly acknowledge the important work and
contribution of the Parole Board in advising the Minister for Justice and
Equality on the future management of prisoners serving sentences of
imprisonment greater than eight years.
“It is reassuring to know that the recommendations which land on my desk
have been subject to such careful process and consideration by an
independent mechanism; and I thank all the members of the Parole Board led
by its Chairman Mr. John Costello, for their efforts.”
The Minister welcomed the first-ever public launch of annual report and
statistics.
According to the Annual Report the Board’s total caseload in 2013 was 329,
resulting in 95 recommendations. The Minister noted that where parole is
granted, this is temporary release, subject to supervision in the community
by the Probation Service. This is not remission.
The Minister stated: “I note with interest that those who were granted
supervised temporary release during the time period 2005 to 2013 had
already spent, on average, 18 years in prison before release. The public
may be surprised that this compares to an average of just over 7 ½ years
for releases dating from 1975 to 1984, just under 12 years for the period
dating from 1985 to 1994 and just under 14 years for the period dating from
1995 to 2004. So the length of time being spent in prison before parole is
lengthening.”
The Minister welcomed the Board’s initiative in making a number of
presentations throughout the year to groups of prisoners in four prisons to
explain the parole process.
The Minister said that the launch of this report is timely. She stated: “As
Minister for Justice, I have committed to a programme of comprehensive
reform in the administration of Justice in this state. This must also
include reform in prison and penal policy.”
“I am committed to fostering a debate on key issues on future penal policy
as we progress down this road of reform. There are big questions which
deserve consideration such as: how do we deliver on the societal need for
punishment to be served, while at the same time seeking to reduce crime,
through reducing reoffending and rates of recidivism?”
The Minister announced that she would next week publish the final report of
the Penal Policy Review. The Penal Policy Review was established in
September 2012 and was tasked with carrying out an all encompassing
strategic review of penal policy on foot of a recommendation of the
Thornton Hall Review Group, This review has involved wide-ranging
consultation and will have implications for the future direction and
implementation of penal policy in Ireland.
Minister Fitzgerald stated: “I look forward to both debating its findings
and recommendations and moving on to implement important reforms.”
Commenting in the future of the Parole Board, the Minister added that she
would “bring proposals to Government on strengthening the position and role
of the Parole Board, which I will do in the near future and on foot of the
recommendations of the Penal Policy Review.”
Minister Fitzgerald noted that an important consideration for the Parole
Board is the involvement of victims in the review process. The Minister
that “the issue of victim representation on the Parole Board is one which I
intend to explore in the context of bringing proposals to Government on
strengthening the position and role of the Parole Board”
The Minister also reaffirmed her absolute commitment to strengthening
supports for victims of crime. She stated she was determined to see the EU
Directive on Victim Rights implemented in Ireland in 2015.
Minster Fitzgerald expressed concern at statistics contained in the Annual
Report which highlighted how drink and drugs played a part in offences
committed in over half of the cases reviewed by the Parole Board from 2011
to 2013.
The Minister stated: “This is yet further evidence, if any was ever needed,
of the devastating impact of the misuse and abuse of alcohol and drugs. Too
many lives, too many opportunities are broken by addiction and resultant
high-risk behaviour.”
“Addressing the scourge of substance misuse is; and must remain, a priority
for the whole-of-Government and for a broad range of services ranging from
early intervention to family support. Nonetheless as Minister for Justice I
am determined to work with the Agencies under my remit to address the
issues involved.”
The Parole Board Annual Report for 2013 is available at
www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PB14000230