Sir, - Paul O'Mahony (January 9th) clearly expounds the need for alterations and improvements to be made in the penal system in this country. He calls for research to be conducted in issues regarding imprisonment and the future of custodial measures. In the immediate term, Mr O'Mahony is right decisions. certainly must be made about how to deal with violators of societal norms and rules.
For the longer term, however, research must also be instigated which will inform policy makers about the underlying causes of crime. In recent years, this country has witnessed a massive surge in crime, particularly violent crime against the person. Violent acts are occurring with ever increasing frequency and, some would argue, growing resignation.
The recent public investigation into the disappearance of Ms Marilyn Rynn has yielded the tragic result which was most feared. A brutal fatal attack on a perfectly innocent woman, Ms Rynn, is yet another victim of the many frightening and meaningless atrocities which are occurring in our society's. What motivates someone to carry out such an horrific violation? Was it premeditated? Was the perpetrator. stimulated by an influence of drugs or alcohol? To try to ascertain the forces driving a person to this extreme proves exasperating, for most people and leaves us grappling for explanations. indeed, to try to equate reason at all with such a crime seems paradoxical.
It is important, however, to try to formulate some answers. Research will provide greater understanding of the motivations behind crime, particularly violent crime, and this in turn will aid the development of alternative disciplinary measures. Unless such research is implemented, it is likely that current trends in crime in Ireland will persist, imitating countries such as Britain and the US, and the problems within the Irish penal system will only intensify. - Yours, etc.,
M.SocSc,
Orwell Park,
Rathgar,
Dublin 6.