David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I must praise the Minister where it is merited. While I have not supported all of the proposals he has brought before the House, he deserves to be commended for this proposal. I am surprised by his support for some aspects of the Bill. Perhaps there is sometimes an unfair characterisation of those on the political right. If these provisions are anything to go by, there is a genuine political appetite for a different approach. It is an approach which embraces community restorative justice as an alternative penal model, accepts that the use of the stick is not always the best approach and recognises that we must, as best we can, support those who are often themselves victims. That is not an easy position to take when young people are causing difficulties in neighbourhoods. Public representatives are at the coalface in their communities and subjected to strong public pressure. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult for us to argue that we should consider different models, offer support to these individuals and their families and not always look on prison as the best option. I commend the Minister for his departure from past policy on this issue. I am not claiming he has changed his own position, but I welcome the departure from what has been a tendency to deal with these issues solely within the prison context.