Ahern: Life sentence terms have doubled

THE average life sentence in this country has nearly doubled over the past 10 years, from 7.7 years to 15 years, according to Justice Minister Dermot Ahern.

Speaking in Tipperary yesterday, Mr Ahern said as long as he was minister it would continue to go up rather than down.

“One of the most difficult issues I have as Minister for Justice is dealing with recommendations from the Parole Board in relation to people on life sentences, people who have committed extremely serious offences.