Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
576. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline his plans to implement community courts as an alternative to formal legal proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16450/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, my Department led a Working Group of Justice Sector officials to consider options for moving forward on the proposal to establish a Community Court. Building on the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, the Working Group considered proposals to enhance the approach to tackling low level offenders and effectively addressing their offending behaviour through a Community Justice Intervention type programme. This would be a diversion from the courts system in a way that has the potential to respond more effectively to one-off and repeat, low level offending with the emphasis on speedy processing aimed at reducing the risk of re-offending and would also offer quick referral to the necessary services. My Department wishes to build on this work and is still examining a number of possibilities, including the creation of a conditional cautioning system of which there are a number of models, which require careful consideration.
