According to Professor Ian O’Donnell of University College Dublin, there is growing research that community sanctions are more effective than prison in reducing criminals reoffending. He said that non-custodial penalties, including community sanctions, have a “vital role” in cutting reoffending and protecting society. Should we jail less people and give them community work instead? Ciara chats to John Lonergan Ex-Mountjoy governor & Wayne Hart Academic, ex prisoner, working for probation service 

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