An Ireland South MEP has called on the Irish Prison Service to end temporary release for violent criminals.
Cynthia Ní Mhurcú criticised prison authorities for releasing prisoners with charge sheets for serious violent offences.
She welcomed news from Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan that capital funding has been secured to progress a new prison at Thorton Hall.
MEP Ní Mhurchú says temporary release should only be considered in limited circumstances.
Offence
Female
Male
Total
Attempts/threat to murder, assaults, harassment and other offences
9
36
45
Dangerous or negligent acts
3
16
19
Robbery, Extortion and hijacking offences
5
7
12
Burglary and related offences
9
29
38
Theft and related offences
54
71
125
Fraud, deception and related offences
9
27
36
Controlled drug offences
20
124
144
Weapons and explosive offences
1
7
8
Damage to property and the environment
4
8
12
Public order
3
14
17
Road and traffic offences
5
71
76
Offences against government
7
13
20
Other offences
3
3
6
TOTAL
132
426
558
Total number of prisoners on temporary release as of the 23rd of June 2025, their gender and their category of offence
Source: FOI – Irish Prison Service