Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
747. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if victims of crime are notified or consulted prior to the temporary release of offenders convicted of serious or violent crimes; and if he plans to introduce reforms to strengthen victims’ rights in the release decision process.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63013/25]
View answerIn relation to the granting of temporary release, the legislative basis for temporary release is set out in the Criminal Justice Act 1960, as amended by the Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act 2003. Decisions in relation to temporary release are considered on a case-by-case basis and the safety of the public is paramount when those decisions are made.
I am committed to ensuring that the right to information for victims of crime is realised effectively. The legislation governing this right is the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017, which transposes the EU Victims’ Rights Directive and has greatly expanded the right to information for victims. Subject to certain limited conditions, a victim of crime may request to receive information about temporary release.
The Irish Prison Service Victim Liaison Service provides victims who have opted into the service, with information on the prison system, as well as any form of temporary release; information regarding inter prison transfers, hospital appointments and court appearances; information regarding an escape from prison custody; and notification of upcoming Parole Board applications. The Service also notifies registered victims when the time for an offender to be released from prison is approaching.
It is a voluntary service. A victim or their family can register with the service at any stage during the prisoner’s sentence and can also change their mind and "opt-out" of the service at any time. Where the victim’s family make their views known, these are considered when any application is being reviewed. The Parole Board also advise victims with whom they have engaged, that they may wish to consider registering with the Irish Prison Service.
Through initiatives such as ‘Supporting a Victim’s Journey’, my Department is committed to building a victim-centred criminal justice system. My Department also supports the Victims Charter website which brings together all the information a victim of crime might need to know about their rights, and about what to expect from their engagement with the criminal justice system, and hosts the Victims Forum, where the sector can highlight issues and best practice to help improve services.
