Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There was a high level of reoffending of those so disposed of who had committed burglaries. The higher category of recidivism was 47%, which meant 53% had not reoffended after that number of years. In the context of the number of people sent to prison or held in detention centres, including young people in the past who were in St. Patrick's institution, the level of reoffending was higher. It is not that these figures are something to celebrate, but they are indicative that when people are disposed of in alternative ways to imprisonment, we may reduce the level of recidivism to a degree.

Much more work needs to be done. The work reflects on those convicted in 2007, during the time when Deputies Calleary and Niall Collins and their colleagues were in the majority party in the House. I am not saying that as a criticism. It is important this work was done and we need to get our recidivism figures down further. Substantial work is being done in the Prison Service in the context of those sentenced to terms of imprisonment. Substantial work is being done by the Probation Service and I hope similar research is done in two or three years time, which may show a lower level of recidivism.

I want to say two more sentences. The case referred to by Deputy Dara Calleary is of interest. While I do not want to comment on an individual case, there are circumstances in which the District Court can decide not to hear a matter and to send it forward for trial in the Circuit Court, where a higher sentence may be appropriate. It is also a specific criminal offence to commit an offence while on bail. That can result in a separate prosecution to those that may have ensued for burglaries committed by someone when on bail for other offences. I do not know the circumstances surrounding the issue but, as a matter of principle, individuals on bail who commit offences should be prosecuted for having committed an offence on bail where prosecution is possible. We are looking at the bail laws and the additional reforms that can be introduced to ensure the public has greater protection when individuals are on bail pending charges being heard in the courts. It will ensure this type of offending does not continue to take place.

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