Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I echo the Chairman's words in thanking the witnesses for coming in and sharing their expertise and experience with us. We have had an interesting and informative set of hearings over the past year in which the sub-committee has been in place. This is our last public hearing before we produce a report at the end of January. As rapporteur, I am taking careful notes as we go along. A range of different groups have been before us. Our terms of reference consider the backdoor strategies to see what is best practice, nationally and internationally, to ensure higher use of non-custodial alternatives to try to reduce recidivism. We are grateful to the witnesses.

My first question is for the Cornmarket group. The reliance on empirical studies and outcome measurement is impressive. The group has been in place for a long time. I am very familiar with Ms Grogan and Care After Prison, which has been very impressive in a short space of time. The two groups present two different experiences. In respect of the Cornmarket group, organisations such as this work in specific areas and carry out important and useful work that has tangible outcomes. Is there any intention to expand the programme beyond Wexford? Is there a system in place to roll out the best practice that is occurring in pockets throughout the country? Has an attempt been made to do so at a national level?