Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2024
751. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the progress or findings of research by her Department and the Irish Prison Service on the outcomes of those being held on remand who subsequently receive no conviction or a sentence that does not result in imprisonment, as referred to in the report of the Prison Overcrowding Response Group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44598/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy in aware, in July 2023, a Prison Overcrowding Response Group was established, composed of officials from the Department of Justice and representatives from relevant agencies, to consider measures to address capacity issues in the prison estate.
A number of actions recommended by the Group are being implemented. These actions include developing new, innovative responses to deliver structured temporary release for suitable prisoners, progressing actions to increase the use of community service as a priority, and advancing legislative changes to support the delivery of community-based sanctions more generally.
The recommendation referred to by the Deputy is one of a number of research projects that are to be progressed by my Department over the coming period.
