As the Deputy is aware, the Sentencing Guidelines Committee is the responsibility of the Judicial Council. As per Section 6 of the Judicial Council Act 2019, the Judicial Council is, subject to the provisions of the Act, independent in the exercise of its functions. Neither I nor my Department has any role in relation to the operation of the Council or its Committees.
I am not aware of any contact between myself or my Department and the Sentencing Guidelines Committee. There is no requirement for the Judicial Council to keep me or my Department appraised of any progress or work undertaken by any Committee under its remit.