Senator calls for electronic tagging in Limerick

FIANNA Fáil senator Dee Ryan has called on the Government to select Limerick as a location for Ireland’s planned electronic tagging pilot. Raising the issue in the Seanad while seeking an update on the Government’s plans to introduce electronic monitoring as part of the justice system, Senator Ryan said Limerick was an ideal location for a pilot. “I believe Limerick should be considered as the location for Ireland’s electronic tagging pilot. Our Gardaí are innovative and experienced in pilots, having recently participated in the Community Access Support Team (CAST), a partnership with mental health professionals and the Gardaí, bodyworn cameras, and the upcoming taser trial. “Communities deserve every available tool to strengthen public safety. Electronic monitoring has the potential to improve compliance with bail and temporary release conditions while giving the courts another option to protect the public,” Senator Ryan told the upper house. The reality, she insists, is that not everyone who comes before the courts is appropriate for a prison sentence. At the same time, she said that protecting the public and ensuring compliance with the law must remain paramount. “Where appropriate, electronic monitoring can allow individuals to remain in the community while ensuring they comply with the conditions of their bail or temporary release.” Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has previously indicated his strong support for the introduction of electronic monitoring, and secured €2.1million in Budget 2026 to support staffing, procurement, and other implementation costs. Senator Ryan suggested that electronic tags would act as a deterrent and change behaviour in some cases, and will provide clear evidence of how offenders are behaving when out on bail or temporary release. “The public need to know that we are using every tool at our disposal to reduce risk and keep people safe and that’s where electronic monitoring can come in. “This is about striking the right balance between protecting the public, ensuring accountability, and making the best use of prison capacity. “The people of Limerick deserve the very best when it comes to public safety and our justice system. I believe Limerick would be an ideal location for Ireland’s electronic tagging pilot, helping to deliver a more modern and effective approach to protecting our communities,” Ryan added. In response, the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Minister Catherine Ardagh, confirmed that the Government remains committed to introducing electronic monitoring, with the pilot expected to become operational later in 2026. She said it will initially apply to suitable individuals on temporary release nationally and certain people granted bail in a designated pilot area. The post Senator calls for electronic tagging in Limerick appeared first on Limerick Post.