Departmental Bodies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2011

Thursday, 1 December 2011

Questions (49)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

45 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of both of the groups he has appointed to conduct a strategic review of penal policy and to examine the issue of persons with mental illness in the criminal justice system; the names of persons on both of these groups; the terms of reference of each group; the criteria used to select the appointees; the length of time they will take to review these areas; and the dates on which they will publish their recommendations. [37930/11]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The Deputy will be aware that I established the Thornton Hall Review Group in April, 2011. They reported to me in July 2011 and one of their recommendations was the establishment of an all encompassing strategic review of penal policy which would incorporate an examination and analysis of all aspects of penal policy including prevention, sentencing policies, alternatives to custody, accommodation and regimes, support for reintegration and rehabilitation, the issue of female prisoners and 16 and 17 year olds within the system. On foot of another of its recommendations, an inter-departmental group is being designated to examine the issue of people with mental illness coming into the criminal justice system. I hope to announce details on membership and terms of reference for both groups shortly.