MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has called on the Irish Prison Service to end temporary release for violent criminals.

The Fianna Fáil Ireland South representative criticised prison authorities for releasing criminals convicted of violent crimes including attempted murder.

Ní Mhurchú described figures provided to her – which show there were 558 prisoners out of custody as of June 23rd - as truly shocking, condemning the fact that ‘attempted murderers, burglars, violent criminals and fraudsters are being routinely afforded temporary release when they should be behind bars’.

She has welcomed news from Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan that capital funding has been secured to progress a new prison at Thorton Hall in north county Dublin.

According to Ní Mhurchú, temporary release should only be considered in limited circumstances for non-violent offenders, and not in the widespread way it is been implemented today.

As of June 23rd according to figures obtained via FOI from the Irish Prison Service there were a total of 558 prisoners on temporary release – 426 male and 132 female.

That included 45 prisoners on temporary release – 36 male and nine female - who were serving sentences for attempted murder, threat to kill, assault or harassment.

There were 12 on release who had been convicted of robbery, extortion or hijacking and 144 out on release who were jailed for controlled drug offences.

Eight serving time for weapons or explosives offences were on temporary release.

A capital investment of €495m is being allocated to the Irish Prison Service from 2026-2030 which will allow substantial work to commence on the development of a new prison at Thornton Hall in North County Dublin.