Families who lost loved ones to homicide have held a protest outside the Dáil against day release for murderers.

The group said they are "outraged, hurt and fearful" after a number of high profile violent prisoners were recommended for temporary release in recent weeks.

Speaking at the demonstration this morning, Paidi Campbell, whose 22-year-old daughter was killed by her ex boyfriend Gordon Molloy in 2007, said the courts must be handed more control over how a life sentence is served.

“What we would like to see, what we deserve as Irish people, is that when a murderer is convicted the judge has the discretion to give a minimum sentence.

“Starting at maybe 20 years up to 25 years, 30 years or whole life orders – whatever [it is] parole should not be given until that sentence has been completed.”

McLaughlin Sisters Caroline, Niamh, Brighid and Aishling at the funeral of their sister Siobhán, 12-03-2006. Image: RollingNews

Aisling McLaughlin, whose sister Siobhain was murdered by her husband Brian Kearney at their home in Goatstown in Dublin in 2006, said there is no deterrent for murderers in Ireland.

Kearney has had his second application for parole refused; however, the board has said he should be considered for "neutral venue visits" with his family outside the prison walls.

“We are just going to keep applying pressure and keep applying it because this Government needs to address the fact that we have lax laws,” said Ms McLaughlin.

John Whelan from the Sentencing and Victim Equality (SAVE) group said familes must be offered the same supports as perpetrators of violent crimes.

Mr Whelan, whose sister and two nieces were killed in County Kilkenny in 2008, said families want equality.

“I would love to get one more day with sister; I would love to get one more day with my two nieces,” he said.

“So would every other family that is a member of Save.

“We want equality – our families, our members to a person do not feel they are being treated equally.

“When you look at the supports that are put in place for perpetrators compared to what is put in place for families that have been traumatised. It is miniscule.”

According to the latest Garda data released by the CSO, a total of 74 people were murdered last year – 57 men and 17 women.

Fifty six people were recorded as being the victim of a manslaughter - 78% of whom were men.

Newstalk presenter Susan Keogh will be joining Ivan Yates on The Hard Shoulder from 5:30pm this evening with a full report on the issue.