Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Were the concerns expressed by the Irish Penal Reform Trust about the use of community service orders under section 7 taken into account in these amendments? While I admit that the Bill provides useful safeguards against the automatic use of community service orders, their inclusion could none the less have a broadening effect. The use of community service orders for the non-payment of fines may undermine judges' confidence in the suitability or appropriateness of making an order as an alternative to a custodial sentence of up to 12 months, as provided for in the Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) Act 2011. The Irish Penal Reform Trust argues that consideration should be given to clarifying the use of community service orders under section 7 of the Bill, as distinct from their use under the Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act 1983. I recognise that the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dowd, has been handed this brief but I ask that that the issue be clarified on Report Stage.