Plans to allow judges to choose a minimum sentencing requirement for the most serious crimes have been described as 'momentous' by families of murder victims.
Proposals from the Justice Minister are expected later this year, and would allow judges to apply their own discretion when applying minimum tariffs for those who get a life sentence.
Currently, anyone serving life in prison can apply for parole after 12 years.
John Whelan, whose sister Sharon and her daughters Zarah and Nadia were killed in a fire in 2008, says it's what many families have asked for:
"We weren't expecting this to happen. I heard about it first thing this morning. I have to say we would support 100% the Minister's proposal of the of the minimum tariffs because I think it'll bring a lot of clarity and a lot of peace to families."
