Sentencing Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 July 2012

Tuesday, 17 July 2012

Ceisteanna (531)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

543 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to respond to the recent Law Reform Commission consultation paper on mandatory sentencing; if his Department has reviewed the effectiveness of current laws relating to sentencing for drugs offences; if he intends to repeal or amend the statutory provisions on mandatory and presumptive sentencing. [34834/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

As the Deputy is aware, the Law Reform Commission published its Consultation Paper on Mandatory Sentences in January 2012. The Commission invited submissions on the Consultation Paper from interested parties and will publish its Final Report in due course.

I intend to await the publication of the Final Report before deciding what, if any, action to take on foot of its recommendations.