On 22 October, the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) launched its position paper Reform of Remission, Temporary Release and Parole
The paper examines the current mechanisms for early release in Ireland as well as early release systems in other jurisdictions and Ireland’s obligations under the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR).
The paper outlines a number of recommendations for reform including:
o Reform of remission;
o Clear and transparent use of structured short-term Temporary Release;
o Expansion of Earned Early Release schemes;
o Parole reform, including the creation of an independent Parole Board; and
o Use of the Ministers power to pardon.
It is recommended that the above reforms be implemented through a single “Early Release Act”.
Speaking at the launch, Liam Herrick, IPRT Director, said “the IPRT believes that our current systems of remission, temporary release and parole afford too much discretion to Government and should be replaced by more open and transparent systems of release, in line with the principles of due process and fairness. We also believe that a more structured and fair system will help identify an increased number of prisoners who can be safely released back into the community. Reform along the lines we propose will create a more incentive-driven system, reducing overcrowding while also improving community safety.”
Click here to read an article from the Irish Times on the position paper.
Click here to read IPRT’s press release on the position paper.