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There is generally one common denominator, Addiction. People who rack up that many convictions just dont care anymore. By that I mean that their need out weighs the risk to their liberty.
I would need to see the official statistics and data, is that information widely available to support what you are saying?
Contrary to what you seem to think there is a maximum sentence to each crime or offence so " locking them up for life" isnt an option and never will be for shop lifting or possession. Most people with over 100 convictions have them for minor crimes.
20 years isn't life, a nice hefty sentence would remove such hassle from society for a long time. We are too soft on crime.
If they were serious criminals they would have over 100 as they would be locked up for much longer periods throughout their life. Of course there are always exceptions but when you see over 100 convictions think serious addiction and/or mental health issues. Its normally on the money.
Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 267 - 30/04/2026 11:49:05
At which point does stealing vehicles, assault shop managers who challenge you for parking in their door way or robbing/Vulnerable elderly people become serious?
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1807 - 30/04/2026 16:49:55
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Replying To Commodore: "There is generally one common denominator, Addiction. People who rack up that many convictions just dont care anymore. By that I mean that their need out weighs the risk to their liberty.
I would need to see the official statistics and data, is that information widely available to support what you are saying?
Contrary to what you seem to think there is a maximum sentence to each crime or offence so " locking them up for life" isnt an option and never will be for shop lifting or possession. Most people with over 100 convictions have them for minor crimes.
20 years isn't life, a nice hefty sentence would remove such hassle from society for a long time. We are too soft on crime.
If they were serious criminals they would have over 100 as they would be locked up for much longer periods throughout their life. Of course there are always exceptions but when you see over 100 convictions think serious addiction and/or mental health issues. Its normally on the money.
Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 267 - 30/04/2026 11:49:05
At which point does stealing vehicles, assault shop managers who challenge you for parking in their door way or robbing/Vulnerable elderly people become serious?" 20 years is far too excessive for very minor crimes even if it is 100 plus convictions. it isnt a deterrant for many as they do so for addiction reasons etc.
putting them in jail for 20 years at such a high cost to the state isnt the solution to anything
KillingFields (Limerick) - Posts: 3973 - 01/05/2026 00:01:06
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Prisons are too overcrowded as they are. We simply don't have the capacity to incarcerate habitual, petty offenders for lengthy sentences.
I'd suggest the establishment of a national rehabilitation centre - but recent updates on the National Children's hospital would leave you skeptical that any big infra projects can be competently built in this country.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 10314 - 01/05/2026 10:43:06
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Prisons are too overcrowded as they are. We simply don't have the capacity to incarcerate habitual, petty offenders for lengthy sentences.
I'd suggest the establishment of a national rehabilitation centre - but recent updates on the National Children's hospital would leave you skeptical that any big infra projects can be competently built in this country." I think that we would be quite able to build or construct large projects here - if they were properly and completely designed from day one. We go about everything half assed. As a result you get the children's Hosp ( which seems to be being tweaked at the minute), a lift in a new court house that only holds 12 people ( juries have to go in 2 shifts) Luas lines that don't or didn't interconnect and when they did the gauge on the lines were different sizes, flyovers on some motorways that can't take the super trucks seen on the continent as they aren't high enough. An Eircode system that some companies can't or won't use, Seweage treatment plants that don't comply with the latest regs as soon as they are complete. The list goes on.
Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 2249 - 01/05/2026 11:26:38
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Replying To Commodore: "There is generally one common denominator, Addiction. People who rack up that many convictions just dont care anymore. By that I mean that their need out weighs the risk to their liberty.
I would need to see the official statistics and data, is that information widely available to support what you are saying?
Contrary to what you seem to think there is a maximum sentence to each crime or offence so " locking them up for life" isnt an option and never will be for shop lifting or possession. Most people with over 100 convictions have them for minor crimes.
20 years isn't life, a nice hefty sentence would remove such hassle from society for a long time. We are too soft on crime.
If they were serious criminals they would have over 100 as they would be locked up for much longer periods throughout their life. Of course there are always exceptions but when you see over 100 convictions think serious addiction and/or mental health issues. Its normally on the money.
Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 267 - 30/04/2026 11:49:05
At which point does stealing vehicles, assault shop managers who challenge you for parking in their door way or robbing/Vulnerable elderly people become serious?" One of the stats that was no on the link I gave was that about three quarters of those in prison are in there for less than a year. Then you look at the stats of who ends up in prison and the conditions in there. It costs 100K to keep someone in prison for a year.
Post independence Dev spent so much effort on trying to prove that we were not like the colonial masters however the one thing that he completely neglected was the creation of a just society so we just copied their class and structural bias that had helped them rule and exploit the world. There and then was a chance to really distinguish ourselves from the colonial past but it was never taken. Anything else would of course have been considered too close to socialism and never allowed by the CC. Today everyone wants tax cuts, new motorways etc but whatever you do don't spend money on resolving the inherent structural society issues.
zinny (Wexford) - Posts: 2202 - 01/05/2026 12:50:41
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Replying To KillingFields: " Replying To Commodore: "<b>There is generally one common denominator, Addiction. People who rack up that many convictions just dont care anymore. By that I mean that their need out weighs the risk to their liberty.</b>
I would need to see the official statistics and data, is that information widely available to support what you are saying?
<b>Contrary to what you seem to think there is a maximum sentence to each crime or offence so " locking them up for life" isnt an option and never will be for shop lifting or possession. Most people with over 100 convictions have them for minor crimes. </b>
20 years isn't life, a nice hefty sentence would remove such hassle from society for a long time. We are too soft on crime.
If they were serious criminals they would have over 100 as they would be locked up for much longer periods throughout their life. Of course there are always exceptions but when you see over 100 convictions think serious addiction and/or mental health issues. Its normally on the money.
Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 267 - 30/04/2026 11:49:05 </b>
At which point does stealing vehicles, assault shop managers who challenge you for parking in their door way or robbing/Vulnerable elderly people become serious?"</div>20 years is far too excessive for very minor crimes even if it is 100 plus convictions. it isnt a deterrant for many as they do so for addiction reasons etc.
putting them in jail for 20 years at such a high cost to the state isnt the solution to anything" The carrot works for some people, the stick is needed for others. In my opinion, the stick is more effective when dealing with those who do not respect law and order.
cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5322 - 01/05/2026 12:51:58
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Prisons are too overcrowded as they are. We simply don't have the capacity to incarcerate habitual, petty offenders for lengthy sentences.
I'd suggest the establishment of a national rehabilitation centre - but recent updates on the National Children's hospital would leave you skeptical that any big infra projects can be competently built in this country." They've just spend €15 million building prefab homes for prisoners in the grounds of a number of prisons. Mental stuff when they should be building cell blocks.
Also as reported an entire wing in Portlaoise is reserved for just four "political" prisoners. Again a lot of rubbish.
yew_tree (Mayo) - Posts: 12067 - 01/05/2026 13:10:39
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Prisons are too overcrowded as they are. We simply don't have the capacity to incarcerate habitual, petty offenders for lengthy sentences.
I'd suggest the establishment of a national rehabilitation centre - but recent updates on the National Children's hospital would leave you skeptical that any big infra projects can be competently built in this country." Then build more prisons, and start seizing assets of repeat offenders to help fund their incarceration.
Rehabilitation is a worthy ambition, but the evidence in Ireland shows it is currently ineffective based on the number of repeat offenders running around, so I would focus initially on stronger prison sentences to protect innocent law abiding citizens first, until we figure out a more scientifically effective approach.
Examples of Elderly people getting burgled.
https://www.rte.ie/news/ulster/2018/0124/935742-burglary-aughnacloy/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-30190721
https://www.donegaldaily.com/news/elderly-people-robbed-at-knifepoint-during-raid-on-house-271018
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/woman-91-dies-after-attack-1.154055
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1807 - 01/05/2026 13:26:58
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Replying To Freethinker: "I think that we would be quite able to build or construct large projects here - if they were properly and completely designed from day one. We go about everything half assed. As a result you get the children's Hosp ( which seems to be being tweaked at the minute), a lift in a new court house that only holds 12 people ( juries have to go in 2 shifts) Luas lines that don't or didn't interconnect and when they did the gauge on the lines were different sizes, flyovers on some motorways that can't take the super trucks seen on the continent as they aren't high enough. An Eircode system that some companies can't or won't use, Seweage treatment plants that don't comply with the latest regs as soon as they are complete. The list goes on." 100% agree regarding better planning.
But projects like the >300K Bicycle shed for Leinster House, that price and how it was successfully tendered for by a relative of a Government TD should have raised alarm bells.. Makes me think the system is flawed.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1807 - 01/05/2026 13:50:07
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Replying To Commodore: "Then build more prisons, and start seizing assets of repeat offenders to help fund their incarceration.
Rehabilitation is a worthy ambition, but the evidence in Ireland shows it is currently ineffective based on the number of repeat offenders running around, so I would focus initially on stronger prison sentences to protect innocent law abiding citizens first, until we figure out a more scientifically effective approach.
Examples of Elderly people getting burgled.
https://www.rte.ie/news/ulster/2018/0124/935742-burglary-aughnacloy/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-30190721
https://www.donegaldaily.com/news/elderly-people-robbed-at-knifepoint-during-raid-on-house-271018
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/woman-91-dies-after-attack-1.154055" How many repeat offenders are running around?
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8545 - 02/05/2026 10:37:14
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Replying To Commodore: "100% agree regarding better planning.
But projects like the >300K Bicycle shed for Leinster House, that price and how it was successfully tendered for by a relative of a Government TD should have raised alarm bells.. Makes me think the system is flawed." The billions handed over to IPAS contractors without having to be subject to normal planning and local authority oversight makes the 330k spent on a big shed pale into insignificance, Barely registers as a %.
BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 4257 - 02/05/2026 11:55:38
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How many repeat offenders are running around?
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8543 - 02/05/2026 10:37:14
I searched last year and found that records on past or current criminal convictions did not seem to be available to the public, I think maybe only vague stats on current prisoners, but no personal info.
If you or anyone else on here can point me in the direction of where I can access criminal records for the last 30-40 years and build a profile of repeat offenders, I would happily start looking there.
There are a range of repeat offending criminals across Ireland who abuse, rob, assault, rape and murder innocent people around the Country, get weak sentences and are back out again doing the same thing. I find it worrying that some Irish people are more concerned with prisoners rights despite the horrible crimes and trail of victims they leave behind.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1807 - 02/05/2026 13:02:10
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Replying To BarneyGrant: "The billions handed over to IPAS contractors without having to be subject to normal planning and local authority oversight makes the 330k spent on a big shed pale into insignificance, Barely registers as a %." 100%, I think in years to come, the full extent of this will shock the nation.
A new independent monitoring bureau of public spending needs to be setup, to investigate fraudulent or reckless spending of state funds or the initiation of State projects that benefits certain private stakeholders more so than the General public. This entity would also cover transparency over Government or local authority lobbying, provide independent checks and balances that the Government would have no oversight on.
We the people elect TDs from our respective regions to represent us, and the collective taxation of we the people is the single biggest source of Government budget. However lobbying groups tend to hold a lot of sway with Government TDs, despite the people collectively contributing more, these lobbying groups contribute more individually. We need more transparency over all lobbying.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1807 - 02/05/2026 13:26:22
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Replying To Commodore: "How many repeat offenders are running around?
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8543 - 02/05/2026 10:37:14
I searched last year and found that records on past or current criminal convictions did not seem to be available to the public, I think maybe only vague stats on current prisoners, but no personal info.
If you or anyone else on here can point me in the direction of where I can access criminal records for the last 30-40 years and build a profile of repeat offenders, I would happily start looking there.
There are a range of repeat offending criminals across Ireland who abuse, rob, assault, rape and murder innocent people around the Country, get weak sentences and are back out again doing the same thing. I find it worrying that some Irish people are more concerned with prisoners rights despite the horrible crimes and trail of victims they leave behind." You don't know the numbers but 'Rehabilitation is a worthy ambition, but the evidence in Ireland shows it is currently ineffective based on the number of repeat offenders running around' ?
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8545 - 02/05/2026 15:33:33
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You don't know the numbers but 'Rehabilitation is a worthy ambition, but the evidence in Ireland shows it is currently ineffective based on the number of repeat offenders running around' ?
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8544 - 02/05/2026 15:33:33
Yes, Rehabilitation is a worthy "ambition" long-term, as clearly current rehab efforts are ineffective, otherwise we wouldn't have so many of these criminals with over 50-100 previous convictions running around freely committing crimes post-release, as shown in so many local court cases.
These people are a danger to society, so we should be locking them up for 20 years plus, sending a strong message to others and making the Country a safer place. We won't likely get access to the full numbers from FF/FG Government, as its likely would cause shock and outrage. But by following local court cases in local media, the number of different criminals with 50 - 100 previous convictions is clearly high.
What is your position on criminals with over 100 previous convictions terrorizing the Countryside?
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1807 - 02/05/2026 18:59:53
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Replying To Commodore: "You don't know the numbers but 'Rehabilitation is a worthy ambition, but the evidence in Ireland shows it is currently ineffective based on the number of repeat offenders running around' ?
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8544 - 02/05/2026 15:33:33
Yes, Rehabilitation is a worthy "ambition" long-term, as clearly current rehab efforts are ineffective, otherwise we wouldn't have so many of these criminals with over 50-100 previous convictions running around freely committing crimes post-release, as shown in so many local court cases.
These people are a danger to society, so we should be locking them up for 20 years plus, sending a strong message to others and making the Country a safer place. We won't likely get access to the full numbers from FF/FG Government, as its likely would cause shock and outrage. But by following local court cases in local media, the number of different criminals with 50 - 100 previous convictions is clearly high.
What is your position on criminals with over 100 previous convictions terrorizing the Countryside?" I think you're a spoofer.
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8545 - 02/05/2026 20:20:53
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Replying To BarneyGrant: "The billions handed over to IPAS contractors without having to be subject to normal planning and local authority oversight makes the 330k spent on a big shed pale into insignificance, Barely registers as a %." Is there a subject out there that we could mention that won't result in you bringing up immigration?
cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5322 - 02/05/2026 20:36:57
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Replying To cavanman47: "Is there a subject out there that we could mention that won't result in you bringing up immigration?" Apparently a subject very close to Barneys heart, and one that we should all be concerned about, according to him. Not one that I will lose too much sleep over. As a nation - and I mean that as a collective over the centuries - we have assimilated all kinds of newcomers so, to my mind, there are very few citizens who could be regarded as being of pure or truly Irish native stock. Of these latter day immigrants, some will stay, most will move on to other countries, some will go home.
Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 2249 - 03/05/2026 08:45:04
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Replying To Freethinker: "Apparently a subject very close to Barneys heart, and one that we should all be concerned about, according to him. Not one that I will lose too much sleep over. As a nation - and I mean that as a collective over the centuries - we have assimilated all kinds of newcomers so, to my mind, there are very few citizens who could be regarded as being of pure or truly Irish native stock. Of these latter day immigrants, some will stay, most will move on to other countries, some will go home." I agree that the Island of Ireland has assimilated all kinds of newcomers for several millenniums, but those migration waves were gradual across the European continent, and people integrated over time.
However if you look at instances of excessive immigration in a short space of time, the results can be quite different. Take Northern Ireland for example, the British planted Ulster because it was considered to be persistently unruly and rebellious, they flooded it with people from Britain who were loyal to the British Crown and took land from Irish Chieftains etc. This is a prime example of where immigrants did not integrate at all and 400 years later are still strongly opposed to integration and ongoing strife
Also several Cities across England such as Bradford, Leicester and even Leeds, where sub-communities were formed due to excessive immigration levels from the collonies in a short space of time, which the host nation could not absorb and allow to integrate,
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1807 - 03/05/2026 13:02:46
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Replying To Commodore: "I agree that the Island of Ireland has assimilated all kinds of newcomers for several millenniums, but those migration waves were gradual across the European continent, and people integrated over time.
However if you look at instances of excessive immigration in a short space of time, the results can be quite different. Take Northern Ireland for example, the British planted Ulster because it was considered to be persistently unruly and rebellious, they flooded it with people from Britain who were loyal to the British Crown and took land from Irish Chieftains etc. This is a prime example of where immigrants did not integrate at all and 400 years later are still strongly opposed to integration and ongoing strife
Also several Cities across England such as Bradford, Leicester and even Leeds, where sub-communities were formed due to excessive immigration levels from the collonies in a short space of time, which the host nation could not absorb and allow to integrate," I think we are in a totally different situation to what happened in the UK. There, all these immigrants were entitled to English passports as a birthright due to the colonisation of their countries - it was a case of pigeons coming home to roost. I remember Enoch Powell and his " streets running red with blood" speech as a result of those tensions. To me, we are in a diametrically opposed position to that and many of our immigrants will move away when they realise that our streets are not lined with gold, as was the perception of life in the UK in those days.
Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 2249 - 03/05/2026 15:27:23
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