Low-level offenders will be given the option of avoiding court appearances and potential spells in prison under radical new measures set to come into force in the New Year, the Irish Independent can reveal.
A major scheme set to be approved by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald will see adults who have committed relatively minor crimes being "diverted" from the courts system into educational, community and rehabilitation programmes.
The so-called Community Justice Intervention model is aimed at those who have committed offences such as public drunkenness, aggressive begging, illegal trading and criminal damage.
Ms Fitzgerald's plan, details of which have been seen by the Irish Independent, is aimed at dealing with low-level offences in a much more speedy fashion.
The scheme is likely to be led by the Probation Service and will also involve significant roles being given to An Gárda Síochána, the HSE, local authorities, business groups and the Department of Education.
Gardaí in particular have expressed frustration that low-level offenders are not being effectively dealt with due to the long waiting lists in the court system.
Source:Niall O'Connor, Irish Independent, 30/11/15
Safer Student Nights
eBulletin
Poll
