The Chairperson of the Parole Board has criticised media coverage of high-profile prisoners being released.
Gordon Holmes was speaking as he launched the board's annual report for 2007.
The board made 73 recommendations surrounding prisoner release and rehabilitation during the past 12 months.
Mr Holmes said this afternoon he was horrified at the media coverage of the release of Cork student Wayne O'Donoghue last January.
He said the coverage of O'Donoghue's release was not in the public interest, adding that he hoped the new Press Council would help deal with such issues in the future.
O'Donoghue served three years of a four-year sentence for the manslaughter of his 11-year-old neighbour, Robert Holohan.
The former engineering student from Midleton had qualified for 25% remission from his sentence.
Mr Holmes also said it was time for urgent consultation between the Department of Health and the Department of Justice on the issue of offenders that are intellectually disabled.
He said such engagement is necessary to ensure that public safety is maintained and those in need of care and treatment receive it.
