Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 33: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans regarding sentencing guidelines for sex offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5538/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The judiciary has been developing a project to plan for and provide information on sentencing decisions. To support this initiative, a computerised information system has been developed to provide information on sentences and other penalties imposed for offences in criminal proceedings which may inform judges when considering the sentence to be imposed in an individual case.

A number of pilot projects have been run in several court jurisdictions, including Dublin, Cork and Limerick Circuit Criminal Courts; the Dublin District Court and the Court of Criminal Appeal. The outcomes will be reviewed and assessed by judges prior to final evaluation and establishment of the website. I understand it is envisaged that, in addition to the case content, which is being compiled following consultation with the Data Protection Commissioner, the website will contain references to leading cases on sentencing, summaries and links to significant judgements on sentencing law, some statistical data and academic material on sentencing.