Jonathan O'Brien
Question:75. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of establishing a criminal justice inspectorate here, based on the model in place in Northern Ireland. [18413/17]
View answerWednesday, 12 April 2017
Questions (75)
Written answers
Inspection of criminal justice functions is currently undertaken by a number of agencies. The Garda Síochána Inspectorate and the Inspector of Prisons each have significant roles as statutory independent bodies charged with inspection of An Garda Síochána and the Prisons Service respectively.
The possible establishment of an inspectorate with a remit covering the entire criminal justice sector is being considered by my Department, which published an initial discussion paper and hosted an open policy debate on the matter in November 2015. A key area of focus at that debate and in subsequent deliberations was the possibility of such an inspectorate serving as a practical mechanism for implementation of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment (OPCAT). My Department is further examining these and related issues, in consultation with relevant agencies and in conjunction with a review of the applicable legislative frameworks.
While the specific model in place in Northern Ireland is being examined in this context, there are a range of possible variants of (and alternatives to) such a model which also warrant consideration. Further analysis of the various options available, including their legislative and practical implications, will be necessary before the costs and benefits of implementing any particular model can be accurately estimated.