Cormac O'Keeffe: Minister's dusting off of old report gives hope to families of murder victims

Under plans being considered by Helen McEntee, a judge would have the discretion to impose a minimum term that murderers have to serve in prison before they can apply for parole

Justice Minister Helen McEntee will examine a proposal that could enable judges to set a minimum number of years that those convicted of murder have to serve in prison. Picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

Knowing the minimum length of time a person given a life sentence will actually serve in prison has long been a contentious issue in Ireland’s criminal justice system.

Families of murder victims have long sought this basic level of comfort and certainty.