Outrage as violent offenders among hundreds granted temporary prison release

Victims’ advocates and MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú condemn temporary release policy after FOI reveals dozens of violent offenders freed

'Temporary release should only be considered in limited circumstances for non-violent offenders, and not in the widespread way it is being implemented today,' said Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

A victims' organisation has claimed the justice system is weighted in favour of the offender after it emerged that 45 prisoners who have committed serious or violent offences were on temporary release.

Figures released under Freedom of Information (FOI) to Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú show that as of June 23, some 558 men and women were on temporary release from prisons.