Larry Murphy release - Coverage highlights vital issues

Since his release from jail last week after serving 10 years for the abduction, rape and attempted murder of a woman from Carlow in February 2000, Larry Murphy has been the centre of what can only be described as a media maelstrom.

The rights and wrongs of such coverage is something that has been debated at length. Perhaps more worthy of discussion, however, are other issues that have been highlighted by his release. Among them the serious deficiencies that exist regarding the rehabilitative aspect of our prison system and the equally worrying system that surrounds the monitoring of dangerous offenders after their release from prison. These issues are of vital concern to society. Prison has two main functions – punishing wrongdoing and protecting society from the dangerous people being incarcerated.

Rehabilitation, however, is necessary if society is to be safe from these people after they are released.