Reform body seeks review of involuntary manslaughter law

The Law Reform Commission is recommending a review of the law on involuntary manslaughter, saying it can be too harsh in certain cases.

In its latest consultation paper on homicide in Ireland, the commission suggests that low levels of deliberate violence should be removed from the scope of the act of manslaughter.

It recommends that such offences be prosecuted as assaults instead.

Involuntary manslaughter refers to unintentional killing which results from recklessness or criminal negligence.