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Replying To Freethinker:  "I think we are in a totally different situation to what happened in the UK. There, all these immigrants were entitled to English passports as a birthright due to the colonisation of their countries - it was a case of pigeons coming home to roost. I remember Enoch Powell and his " streets running red with blood" speech as a result of those tensions. To me, we are in a diametrically opposed position to that and many of our immigrants will move away when they realise that our streets are not lined with gold, as was the perception of life in the UK in those days."
"There, all these immigrants were entitled to English passports as a birthright due to the colonisation of their countries"

Firstly, there is no such thing as an 'English' passport.
Secondly, all the immigrants in the UK are not from countries formerly colonised by the British.

Cockney_Cat (UK) - Posts: 2886 - 03/05/2026 17:37:26    2670671

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Replying To Cockney_Cat:  ""There, all these immigrants were entitled to English passports as a birthright due to the colonisation of their countries"

Firstly, there is no such thing as an 'English' passport.
Secondly, all the immigrants in the UK are not from countries formerly colonised by the British."
You realise areas not colonised by Britain leaves pretty slim pickings. I'm sure you're mistaken. Where are "all the immigrants" from Mars?

Doylerwex (Wexford) - Posts: 4503 - 03/05/2026 18:59:35    2670703

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Replying To Freethinker:  "I think we are in a totally different situation to what happened in the UK. There, all these immigrants were entitled to English passports as a birthright due to the colonisation of their countries - it was a case of pigeons coming home to roost. I remember Enoch Powell and his " streets running red with blood" speech as a result of those tensions. To me, we are in a diametrically opposed position to that and many of our immigrants will move away when they realise that our streets are not lined with gold, as was the perception of life in the UK in those days."
I wouldn't be so sure on that or on them moving away, because within the EU, Ireland is regularly ranked among the top places for high Salaries.

I am not anti-immigration, I welcome a healthy flow of immigrants and everything these people bring. My concern is the percentages of refugee immigrants versus the total Irish population, who are arriving in a relatively short space of time and we clearly don't have the infrastructure to cope with them or integrate them.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1827 - 03/05/2026 19:10:32    2670706

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Replying To GreenandRed:  "I think you're a spoofer."

My Question
What is your position on criminals with over 100 previous convictions terrorizing the Countryside?
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1807 - 02/05/2026 18:59:53

Your response
I think you're a spoofer.
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8545 - 02/05/2026 20:20:53


"When the debate is lost, insults become the loser's tool." - Socrates

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1827 - 03/05/2026 19:15:29    2670712

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Replying To Commodore:  "
My Question
What is your position on criminals with over 100 previous convictions terrorizing the Countryside?
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1807 - 02/05/2026 18:59:53

Your response
I think you're a spoofer.
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8545 - 02/05/2026 20:20:53


"When the debate is lost, insults become the loser's tool." - Socrates"
You're easily insulted.

the evidence in Ireland shows it is currently ineffective based on the number of repeat offenders running around

When you talk about numbers then ask posters what are the numbers.

When you talk about evidence and present none.

When you post URLs but claim you can't find data on some of your claims.

When you avoid answering questions by asking a question.

You post up your opinions as if they are facts. Prove they are, you might sound credible.

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8559 - 03/05/2026 19:59:01    2670734

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Replying To Cockney_Cat:  ""There, all these immigrants were entitled to English passports as a birthright due to the colonisation of their countries"

Firstly, there is no such thing as an 'English' passport.
Secondly, all the immigrants in the UK are not from countries formerly colonised by the British."
Splitting hairs here, my friend. UK passport ?? That ok ?? And, I was referring to the immigration from these countries in the latter half of the last century.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 2252 - 03/05/2026 20:06:25    2670738

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Anyone who believes that 25% born overseas will be assimilated into what remains of a distinct Irish identify need only look at the North east.

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 4281 - 03/05/2026 21:14:56    2670747

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You're easily insulted.
Well your "I think you're a spoofer" response was hardly a compliment, and resorting to that highlighted the lack credible argument on your behalf.

When you talk about numbers then ask posters what are the numbers.
You're incorrect. I didn't talk about having full stats or numbers, I spoke specific evidence in terms of the high number of local court cases.

When you talk about evidence and present none.
Incorrect, I provided a number of URLs as sample evidence to support my opinions.

When you post URLs but claim you can't find data on some of your claims.
- URLs to news articles on recent court cases does not equate to full government data/Statistics, which is what I asked about.
- I can't find the full statistics on criminals in Ireland, such as data on repeat offenders, criminal backgrounds etc.


When you avoid answering questions by asking a question.
Incorrect, look at the last 10 of my posts for detailed responses to others, then look at yours for comparison. In this post alone I have answered 5 or 6 of your points, you haven't answered one straight question I have put to you.
Example: You still haven't answered my direct question regarding your take on criminals with over 100 previous convictions running around terrorizing the Countryside?

You post up your opinions as if they are facts. Prove they are, you might sound credible.
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8546 - 03/05/2026 19:59:01
You are again Incorrect and repetitive - The URLs I provided are a sample of factual real life court cases in North West of Ireland, where criminals with over 100 previous convictions who committed further serious crimes, so facts which supported my opinions.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1827 - 03/05/2026 21:50:36    2670757

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Wuuuuuu

Saynothing (Tyrone) - Posts: 2668 - 03/05/2026 21:57:43    2670758

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Replying To Doylerwex:  "You realise areas not colonised by Britain leaves pretty slim pickings. I'm sure you're mistaken. Where are "all the immigrants" from Mars?"
Slim pickings? The top 10 countries of origin for migrants in the UK, by country of birth. According to the 2020/2021 census, includes Poland, Romania, Italy and Germany (over a million and half in total). That's the official list. But you can be sure, there are hundreds of thousands more from all over the world, who would not like to be on a census form.

Cockney_Cat (UK) - Posts: 2886 - 03/05/2026 22:28:41    2670766

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Replying To Commodore:  "How many repeat offenders are running around?

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8543 - 02/05/2026 10:37:14

I searched last year and found that records on past or current criminal convictions did not seem to be available to the public, I think maybe only vague stats on current prisoners, but no personal info.

If you or anyone else on here can point me in the direction of where I can access criminal records for the last 30-40 years and build a profile of repeat offenders, I would happily start looking there.

There are a range of repeat offending criminals across Ireland who abuse, rob, assault, rape and murder innocent people around the Country, get weak sentences and are back out again doing the same thing. I find it worrying that some Irish people are more concerned with prisoners rights despite the horrible crimes and trail of victims they leave behind."
That kind of information isnt available publically because it has no reason to be made publically. and never should be. only gardai, prison officers in course of their duty should be able access that info.

KillingFields (Limerick) - Posts: 3977 - 10/05/2026 13:49:11    2671991

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Replying To KillingFields:  "That kind of information isnt available publically because it has no reason to be made publically. and never should be. only gardai, prison officers in course of their duty should be able access that info."
There is no reason that general statistical data on this should not be made public, other than for political reasons, to protect the political status quo if they are knowingly hiding stats that would shock and outrage the general public.

I am not suggesting sharing any personal individual data such as name, dob, ppsn etc of these repeat offenders with high numbers of previous convictions, just the numbers and general statistics associated with them that might highlight a set of common denominators.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1827 - 11/05/2026 10:49:39    2672248

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Replying To Commodore:  "There is no reason that general statistical data on this should not be made public, other than for political reasons, to protect the political status quo if they are knowingly hiding stats that would shock and outrage the general public.

I am not suggesting sharing any personal individual data such as name, dob, ppsn etc of these repeat offenders with high numbers of previous convictions, just the numbers and general statistics associated with them that might highlight a set of common denominators."
there is info available via cso and gardai/department of justice and courts service. not sure what exactly more you want to know or you need to know.

KillingFields (Limerick) - Posts: 3977 - 11/05/2026 15:51:34    2672382

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Replying To Commodore:  "There is no reason that general statistical data on this should not be made public, other than for political reasons, to protect the political status quo if they are knowingly hiding stats that would shock and outrage the general public.

I am not suggesting sharing any personal individual data such as name, dob, ppsn etc of these repeat offenders with high numbers of previous convictions, just the numbers and general statistics associated with them that might highlight a set of common denominators."
Why would you want access to that data other than for Political gain??
You do know that each offence has a maximum sentence right? You cant just lock up a shop lifter or public order nuisance for life just because they have multiple previous convictions. The law doesnt allow that anywhere.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 388 - 11/05/2026 17:24:48    2672429

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Replying To Tadhg2020:  "Why would you want access to that data other than for Political gain??
You do know that each offence has a maximum sentence right? You cant just lock up a shop lifter or public order nuisance for life just because they have multiple previous convictions. The law doesnt allow that anywhere."
No, not for political gain, I have no membership or affiliation with any political party and no allegiance to any specific political party. I am not running for election, I have no political ambitions. I am aware of maximum sentences, and that max/min sentences can be changed by the State legislators (Government).

I just can't understand why a 47 year old Irish man with 179 previous convictions who was caught stealing from the home of law abiding tax payers recently in Co Donegal, seems to be immune from maximum sentences repeatedly, we are talking about serious crimes. If he only even got 3 months jail for each of the last 150 convictions (Ignore the first 29), he would have spent 37.5 years in jail. But he hasn't spent remotely anywhere near that amount of time in jail, he and many others seem to be protected from serious sentences and that makes me want to get more detailed stats to understand the full scale of this.

Stop trying to protect serious criminals, the law is supposed to protect the people, but it seems that the Government secretly have exemptions for some, and that is not currently public knowledge and voters should be aware of this, as its enabling crime across the Country.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1827 - 12/05/2026 12:56:33    2672575

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Replying To Commodore:  "No, not for political gain, I have no membership or affiliation with any political party and no allegiance to any specific political party. I am not running for election, I have no political ambitions. I am aware of maximum sentences, and that max/min sentences can be changed by the State legislators (Government).

I just can't understand why a 47 year old Irish man with 179 previous convictions who was caught stealing from the home of law abiding tax payers recently in Co Donegal, seems to be immune from maximum sentences repeatedly, we are talking about serious crimes. If he only even got 3 months jail for each of the last 150 convictions (Ignore the first 29), he would have spent 37.5 years in jail. But he hasn't spent remotely anywhere near that amount of time in jail, he and many others seem to be protected from serious sentences and that makes me want to get more detailed stats to understand the full scale of this.

Stop trying to protect serious criminals, the law is supposed to protect the people, but it seems that the Government secretly have exemptions for some, and that is not currently public knowledge and voters should be aware of this, as its enabling crime across the Country."
Your sentiment and moral compass are what the majority in this country believes in.

However money drives this country. One of, if not the biggest power group in this country is the legal profession.
The legal system is not about justice but about making money, whether it is the ambulance chasing solicitors,legal aid solicitors etc. A couple of years ago the Dail agreed to reset the Book of Quantum (guide as to how much a claim is worth). The judges who do not make the law decided the needed a vote on whether to use the new Book of Quantum ? After the legislators had decided on it (thankfully 87 siad yes but 63 siad no).

For each case that goes to court both sides need 1 solicitor and 1 barrister minimum, Legal aid is roughly paid €1,200 for a days work so 1 full day of billable hours is about €4,800 for 4 people. In the real world nobody would believe someone with 50 previous convictions should be walking the streets, but in the legal system they do. Why? I suggest because of all the money that can be made for solicitors, barristers etc.( don't forget the judges of today were all solicitors and barristers before they where judges )

Here is my last point in my rant

The highest earners under Ireland's criminal legal aid scheme in 2025 included three lawyers who were paid nearly €1 million each. Total state expenditure for the scheme reached a record €115.3 million in 2025, a 37% increase from the previous year.

ulsterrules (Donegal) - Posts: 278 - 12/05/2026 14:41:42    2672612

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Replying To Commodore:  "No, not for political gain, I have no membership or affiliation with any political party and no allegiance to any specific political party. I am not running for election, I have no political ambitions. I am aware of maximum sentences, and that max/min sentences can be changed by the State legislators (Government).

I just can't understand why a 47 year old Irish man with 179 previous convictions who was caught stealing from the home of law abiding tax payers recently in Co Donegal, seems to be immune from maximum sentences repeatedly, we are talking about serious crimes. If he only even got 3 months jail for each of the last 150 convictions (Ignore the first 29), he would have spent 37.5 years in jail. But he hasn't spent remotely anywhere near that amount of time in jail, he and many others seem to be protected from serious sentences and that makes me want to get more detailed stats to understand the full scale of this.

Stop trying to protect serious criminals, the law is supposed to protect the people, but it seems that the Government secretly have exemptions for some, and that is not currently public knowledge and voters should be aware of this, as its enabling crime across the Country."
Now how can anyone respond to one anecdotal example without knowing anything about the offence charged with, offender, probation report, mitigating circumstances etc.
As I've said before, serious criminals dont tend to accumulate 147 previous convictions. Habitual petty criminals do. Thats just a fact. Serious crimes carry lengthy sentences. Less serious crimes carry shorter or non custodial sentences. Then there is the entitlement to bail and the presumption of innocence.
Nobody wants dangerous convicted criminals in society but there is due process. There is also a limited number of prison spaces. Thats a reality.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 388 - 12/05/2026 16:55:20    2672650

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