Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016
59. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners currently serving a life sentence; the average time a life prisoner serves incarcerated in prison; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29842/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that on 30 September 2016 there were 347 prisoners in custody serving life sentences.
I can also advise the Deputy that there were a further 82 prisoners serving life sentences in the community on reviewable temporary release, who continue to serve a life sentence under the supervision of the Probation Service. The average time these prisoners served in prison was 18.5 years.
