Ciairín de Buis

Ms de Buis brings over 25 years’ experience in the NGO and not-for-profit sector. She currently provides strategic advice to organisations such as Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, having previously led Women for Election and Start Strong, and Extern on an interim basis in 2020.

She studied law at University College Cork (UCC), later completing a Master’s in criminology at Keele University before returning to UCC to complete a Master’s in political science and government.

“I am delighted to announce Ciairín de Buis as the first chief executive officer of the newly established statutory Parole Board,” justice minister Helen McEntee said yesterday.

“As I have said before, transparency and accountability are vital in achieving fairness for victims of crime and rehabilitation for prisoners. In this context the Parole Board plays a vital role in the justice system.

“I am pleased to say that Ms de Buis is an extremely well qualified and high calibre candidate who will be able to bring a huge amount of professional experience to her new role.”

Ms de Buis added: “I am very much looking forward to leading the work of the independent Parole Board. Working with my colleagues – board members and staff – I look forward to further developing the work of the Parole Board and delivering a parole system that is fair to prisoners and listens to victims.”

Mr Justice Michael White, chair of the Parole Board, added: “I very much welcome the appointment of Ciairín de Buis as the new CEO of the Board.

“I look forward to working with her closely in the years ahead, as we proceed to give effect to the principles set out in the Act. I would also like to thank the interim CEO Brendan Eiffe for the significant work undertaken since establishment of the new Board on 1st of August last.”

The Parole Board will begin making decisions on applications in early 2022.