Ivana Bacik
Question:
823. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice her plans to require the recording of the nationality of those who have charges entered against them under the Criminal Justice Sectoral Strategy 2022-2024, or any other policy which promotes data driven approaches to reviewing the criminal justice system here. [47902/23]
View answer
Unfortunately it has not been possible to collate the requested information in the time requested. I will revert to the Deputy when the information is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 823 which was for answer on 07/11/2023 and which asked: “…To ask the Minister for Justice her plans to require the recording of the nationality of those who have charges entered against them under the Criminal Justice Sectoral Strategy 2022-2024, or any other policy which promotes data driven approaches to reviewing the criminal justice system here.”
You will recall that at the time, I undertook to seek the information requested and revert to you. With apologies for the delay in issuing a further response, the information requested is provided below.
The Criminal Justice Sectoral Strategy 2022-2024 sets out a vision of a joined-up criminal justice system that protects human rights, builds public confidence and trust, and works together to improve efficiency and the experience of those who rely on us to support a safe, fair and inclusive Ireland.
There are no actions in the Strategy to compel the recording of the nationality of those who have charges entered against them. However, I am advised by the Garda Authorities that where available, nationality is recorded on the PULSE system for those who have charges entered against them. Further, I am informed that the Policing Authority has engaged with An Garda Síochána in relation to the collection of ethnic identifiers.
Strategic Pillar 3 of the Strategy - Data as Driver, outlines that agencies will work together to better use and share information and improve data quality. This will inform decisions and encourage a unified understanding of issues and problems.
It is important to note that every policy initiative aimed at evaluating or reviewing any aspect of the criminal justice system is data driven and evidence based.
