How long is a life sentence in Ireland?

Answer 1

THE length of a life sentence has more than doubled in the past 15 years, new figures reveal. Criminals sentenced to life imprisonment are now serving an average period in custody of 17 years and one month, an analysis of Parole Board findings shows. This compares with an average of slightly over seven and a half years for 'lifers' in 1984, under 12 years in 1994, and almost 14 years in the following decade. Commenting on the findings, Justice Minister Dermot Ahern(current minister 2009) last night said the figures demonstrated that life sentence prisoners were now serving longer terms in custody.