Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 371: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will support the matter (details supplied) [36511/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Garda Adult Cautioning Scheme enables the processing of a minor offence committed by a person, over 18 years of age, with no previous convictions who admits to the offence. It provides the option of dealing with such an offence, in those circumstances, by the administration of a caution by a senior Garda officer, as an alternative to prosecution in the District Court, where prosecution is not required by the public interest and it is determined that a caution would be an effective response. The list of offences in respect of which a caution may be administered has been drawn up in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Scheme is kept under review by An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Prior to administering the caution, the public interest is taken into account. The views of the victim are also, if reasonably possible, sought.