One in five life prisoners served sentences outside of jail last year

The Parole Board can decide that those serving life sentences may be released temporarily or in order to finish their sentences under the eye of the Probation Service, The Irish Times reports.

While 331 served their life sentences in custody, around 80 did so outside of jail in December of last year.

In 2014, 344 inmates were serving life sentences in prison.

Prisoners who violate their release terms can find themselves back in custody under the Irish Prison Service. In addition, An Garda Síochána can make a recommendation that an individual be returned if they breach their conditions.

The average length of a life sentence is 17.5 years, up substantially from 2003’s figure of 11 years.

Earlier this year, the Oireachtas published the Parole Bill 2016 which will enshrine the Parole Board in statute if passed.

But critics have warned it comprises too many political appointees. In a recent Oireachtas debate, Fianna Fáil’s John Lahart said the parole system was “outdated and in urgent need of reform”.