The board's principal function is to advise the Minister for Justice and Equality in relation to the administration of long-term prison sentences.

The Interim Parole Board reviews the cases of prisoners sentenced to determinate sentences of eight years or more. Prisoners serving sentences for certain offences, such as the murder of a member of the Garda Síochána or the Prison Service in the course of their duty, are excluded from the process.
According to the annual report the Board’s total caseload in 2013 was 329, resulting in 95 recommendations.

[from press release] Minster Fitzgerald expressed concern at statistics contained in the Annual Report which highlighted how drink and drugs played a part in offences committed in over half of the cases reviewed by the Parole Board from 2011 to 2013.

The Minister stated: “This is yet further evidence, if any was ever needed, of the devastating impact of the misuse and abuse of alcohol and drugs. Too many lives, too many opportunities are broken by addiction and resultant high-risk behaviour.”

“Addressing the scourge of substance misuse is; and must remain, a priority for the whole-of-Government and for a broad range of services ranging from early intervention to family support. Nonetheless as Minister for Justice I am determined to work with the Agencies under my remit to address the issues involved.”