In addition, Ireland has higher rates than average of inmates serving sentences for rapes and other sexual offences. Using figures from 2017, the report shows there were 358 inmates serving life sentences, or ‘lifers’, in Irish prisons. Life sentences are mandatory in Ireland in cases of murder, and prison sources indicate that the number of life sentences has increased in recent years as a result of Garda successes against gangland feuds. In Ireland, prisoners serving life sentences are legally entitled to apply for parole after serving seven years. The figures also show that more prisoners are serving sentences in Ireland for rapes (6.7% v 4.6%) and other sexual offences (6% v 3.9%).

Source: Irish Examiner April 02, 2019 20:15 UTC