Paul Murphy
Question:285. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will advocate for the investments (details supplied) in the upcoming budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43203/23]
View answerThursday, 5 October 2023
Questions (285)
Written answers
In response to the Deputy, discussions are still underway between my Department and Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDPR).
Therefore, as the Deputy would understand, it would not be appropriate to comment, until the Budget is announced on 10 October 2023.
The Deputy is no doubt aware, the Programme for Government contains a broad range of policies and proposals that represent a coherent approach to enhancing and sustaining a more just and safe society, and a specific commitment to review policy options for prison and penal reform. In fulfilment of this commitment the Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024 was published last year.
This report and its recommendations seek to find the balance so that people who commit serious crimes receive a punishment and a period of incarceration proportionate to that crime, while at the same time ensuring that the courts have a wide range of appropriate options for dealing with those who have committed minor offences and who might otherwise receive a sentence of 12 months or less.
This targeted approach will facilitate a more tailored response so that the interventions made will be more effective in preventing people falling into a cycle of offending behaviour.
Further as the Deputy will be aware, non-custodial penalties, particularly supervised community sanctions, play a significant and important role in addressing criminality, reducing reoffending and providing a degree of protection to the public. This is supported by Central Statistics Office figures on recidivism.
The relationship between substance misuse and offending behaviour is well understood and if we address the addiction issues, we can help people break the cycle of offending. We also know that a significant number of people committed to prison have mental health issues.
That is why the Departments of Health and Justice established a High Level Task Force to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector.
The Report and Recommendations of the High Level Task Force which were published last year aim to ensure better support for people at the earliest point at which they come into contact with the criminal justice system.
When implemented, they will divert people away from the criminal justice system where appropriate, while supporting them in their rehabilitation from addiction and in the recovery and management of their illness. The recommendations also seek to address the question of better support for prisoners in their rehabilitation when justice requires a prison sentence, and that progress made in prison is not lost after release. Building on existing best practice, the recommendations ensure there is adequate provision of services and sufficient safeguards in place to support rehabilitation and throughcare from custody to the community.
Education is also a key factor in ensuring people build crime-free lives. The Prison Education Taskforce was established on 23 May 2023 and is jointly chaired by the Minister of Further Education and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Minister of State with responsibility for Law Reform in the Department of Justice. The aim of this Taskforce is to ensure improvements in the work and training area and greater alignment between prison education and the tertiary education system to support prisoners in benefiting from education and training opportunities while in custody to support their rehabilitation and access to employment post - release.