Question:
423 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to make resources available for research in criminology and criminal behaviour. [21554/97]
Written Answers. - Criminological Research.
It has been recognised, not least by my Department, that the formulation of sound policies in the criminal justice system requires quality research founded upon a reliable statistical base. It has also been acknowledged, most recently in the Department's discussion document on crime, Tackling Crime, that such research is not well developed in this country.
To address this real and serious deficiency, my Department commissioned a Research Needs Study from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) in May 1997. The purpose of this study was to identify how the Department could develop its capacity for generating and utilising social research on the criminal justice system in discharging its policy planning function. The ESRI submitted its report in November. It recommends a particular approach to the management of a programme of research within the Department as part of a broader policy planning brief.
I have accepted the main recommendations of the ESRI report, and to ensure that their implementation occurs as speedily as possible a provision of £250,000 has been made in the 1998 Estimates for research purposes within my Department. Work is now progressing on establishing the arrangements to manage the research programme and I look forward to the considerable benefits which I expect will accrue to policy development in the area of criminology as a result.