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Sentencing Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 November 2021

Wednesday, 24 November 2021

Ceisteanna (155)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Ceist:

155. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice the current status of the review by her Department of the impact of the Community Service (Amendment) Act 2011 in addition to the use of short custodial sentences; when the publication of the findings of this review can be expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57882/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government 2020 contains a broad range of policies and proposals that represent a coherent approach to enhancing and sustaining a more just and safe society with a specific commitment to review policy options for prison and penal reform.

As part of this work, a cross-sectoral group which includes the Head of Criminal Justice Policy, the Director-General of the Irish Prison Service and the Director of the Probation Service, was established last year. This Group is taking forward the Government’s commitment to review policy options for prison and penal reform.

The completion of the review of the Community Service (Amendment) Act 2011 and the use of short custodial sentences forms part of this group’s ongoing work on penal policy which is due to be completed by the end of the year.

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