Aontú TD Paul Lawless has condemned the Government’s failure to deliver a national electronic tagging programme—despite legislation enabling it being passed 18 years ago. The Minister for Justice himself has admitted the delay is “embarrassing,” yet progress remains stalled.
Deputy Lawless said: “Despite repeated commitments, including a promise to have the system operational by the end of 2025, the Department of Justice has confirmed that the process is still stuck at the procurement stage. This is not progress – it’s paralysis.”
He continued:”The Minister’s pledge of a functioning system by year-end is pure political spin. We are weeks away from 2026, and instead of a solution to the prison crisis, we have a Request for Tender that won’t even close until January 2026. This isn’t a delay – it’s a dereliction of duty.”
Lawless highlighted the urgent need for electronic monitoring:”Our prison system is buckling under record overcrowding. Latest figures show Irish prisons operating at 119.2% capacity, with 5,605 prisoners crammed into facilities designed for 4,702. In some cases, four prisoners are sharing a cell built for one.”
He added:”Legislation enabling tagging has existed since 2007. Previous pilot schemes (2013–2018) were abandoned, and now the promised rollout by end-2025 has been missed. The current tender is only for a 12-month pilot project – closing in January 2026.”
Lawless stressed the human and financial cost: “Hundreds of people are sleeping on mattresses on floors in facilities like Limerick Women’s Prison and the Dóchas Centre, which are operating at 164% and 150% capacity. This is inhumane. Meanwhile, taxpayers are paying €99,000 per prisoner per year – around €8,250 per month. Electronic tagging is a cheaper, more humane alternative for low-risk and short-term offenders.”
He also warned of the impact on public safety and the integrity of the justice system:
“Because of this Government’s failure, the Irish Prison Service has been forced to expand temporary release schemes dramatically. Over 580 prisoners are currently on early release—some within 24 hours of admission – including individuals convicted of violent offences and assaults on Gardaí. This is not what justice looks like. It undermines public confidence and compromises community safety.”
He concluded: “After 18 years, this failure is indefensible. The Government’s inaction is not only inhumane – it is eroding the integrity of our justice system.”
