Mary Lou McDonald says bail situation ‘cannot continue’ as 40,348 suspects were on bail last year
Taoiseach Micheál Martin responded to Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald's concerns about "shocking" bail figures, which revealed that 40,348 suspects were on bail last year and 114,655 over the past three years. McDonald called for urgent action on bail laws, while Martin cautioned against "wholesale internment" and emphasized focusing on repeat offenders, noting ongoing reforms to bail laws. Data shows the highest number of suspects on bail were in the north inner city of Dublin, with public order/drinking and shop theft being the most common offenses committed while on bail.
