Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We all recognise that there must be consequences for young people who break the law, but the focus should be on rehabilitation rather than imprisonment. The problem is that the current prison regime is not focused on rehabilitation. The statistics in regard to recidivism prove that, with up to 62.3% of prisoners re-offending within three years.

Of that 62%, 80% reoffend within one year. People are coming out without being rehabilitated. They are possibly gaining a greater knowledge of crime while in the prison system. I acknowledge that the number of under-25s who are in prison has fallen by a significant amount. However, the focus on rehabilitation has to be a priority. How does the Minister intend to address the high reoffending rate, particularly among younger people who reoffend when they leave prison? Will the Minister comment on any plans she has to roll out community courts? The introduction of such courts was a recommendation of the Oireachtas justice committee and the strategic review of penal policy.

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