The average prison sentence served in Ireland is lower than the average across the 46 member states of the Council of Europe. The average sentence served in Ireland between 2019 and 2023 ranged from 5 to 7 five to seven months, while the European benchmark was between 10 and 12 months. Photograph: Cyril Byrne
The amount of funding allocated to the Irish courts would only keep our health service running for about three and half days. While the health service is literally a matter of life and death, the operation of the courts and the wider justice system is fundamental to understanding the health of the society we live in. A trustworthy and effective justice system is a cornerstone of any democracy, protects individual rights and is vital to the running of a modern economy.
Of course, we can only judge the health of the justice system with evidence. If we don’t have the facts, we’re simply offering opinions without substance.
Continue Reading on The Irish Times
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.