Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
Proposed Legislation
487. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to bring
forward legislative proposals to introduce attachment orders in addition to that contained in
the Fines Act 2010; and the date on which this legislation will be introduced. [7755/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Fines Act 2010 includes a
number of provisions designed to improve the collection of fines and to reduce the number of
people committed to prison for the non-payment of fines. I intend to commence the outstanding
provisions relating to instalment payments; the appointment of receivers; and the use of community
service orders where fines remain unpaid, later this year.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce attachment orders to
collect outstanding fines. I am currently considering how to implement this commitment and
expect to be in a position to bring forward a Fines (Amendment) Bill to provide for attachment
orders later in the year.
Prisoner Releases
488. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide
an update on his intention to give new guidelines to the Parole Board for the application of a
temporary release scheme for long-term prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the
matter. [7756/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): In line with the Thornton Hall
Review Group recommendations, an incentivised scheme for earned temporary release under
which offenders who pose no threat to the community are offered early temporary release in
return for supervised community service has been introduced. A six month pilot project, the
Community Return scheme, commenced in October, 2011 in which it is envisaged that a total
of 130 prisoners will participate. The issuing of guidelines to the Parole Board will be considered
in the context of the development of the Community Return scheme.
Departmental Bodies
489. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which
he will establish the group to conduct a strategic review of penal policy incorporating an examination
and analysis of all aspects of penal policy including prevention, sentencing policies,
alternatives to custody, accommodation and regimes, support for reintegration and rehabilitation,
the issue of female prisoners and 16 and 17 year olds within the system; and if he will
make a statement on the matter. [7757/12]
490. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which
his group conducting a strategic review of penal policy will work with the sub-committee on
penal reform. [7758/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I propose to take Questions Nos.
489 and 490 together.
I will announce details on membership and the terms of reference for this Group shortly.
Officials from my Department, the Irish Prison Service, and the Probation Service recently
met with the Sub-Committee on Penal Reform to brief them on particular developments in the
area of penal policy. I am aware of the Sub-Committee’s work in that regard and will continue
to bear it in mind.
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