John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason Ireland does not have a minimum sentence policy for emotional, physical, sexual and intentional neglect of children by adults. [24323/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the range of penalties for particular offences are set out in law. I am satisfied generally that the law provides for appropriately lengthy sentences for the type of offences referred to by the Deputy. Members of the judiciary are, subject only to the Constitution and that law, independent in the matter of sentencing, as they are in other matters concerning the exercise of judicial functions.

The Courts Service Board has established a Steering Committee to plan for and provide information on sentencing. The Committee, under the chair of Mrs Susan Denham of the Supreme Court, comprises a judge from each of the High, Circuit and District Courts and a university lecturer with expertise in sentencing law.

The project, known as the Irish Sentencing Information System (ISIS), involves the provision of a computerised information system on sentences and other penalties imposed for criminal offences. The system will enable a judge, by entering relevant criteria, to access information about the range of sentences and penalties imposed for various types of offences in previous cases. This will assist any judge when considering the sentence to be imposed in an individual case.

The system has been piloted 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 the final evaluation and establishment of a web-based system.