Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for establishing a Penal Policy Review Group; if he will provide the group's terms of reference; the way this group will differ from the Sub-Committee on Penal Reform of the Justice, Defence and Equality Committee; the date on which it will be established; the names of the persons who will be appointed to the Committee; the mechanism used to choose them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35001/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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In April 2011 I established the Thornton Hall Review Group. They reported to me in July 2011 and one of their recommendations was the establishment of an all encompassing strategic review of penal policy which would incorporate an examination and analysis of all aspects of penal policy including prevention, sentencing policies, alternatives to custody, accommodation and regimes, support for reintegration and rehabilitation, the issue of female prisoners and 16 and 17 year olds within the system. I intend to establish a group to give effect to that recommendation. Details of the group will be announced shortly.

I am aware that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality have established a Sub-Committee on Penal Reform to analyse the recommendations of the Review Group in respect of non-custodial alternatives to imprisonment – in particular back-door strategies which involve some form of early release. The Order of 8 June 2011 establishing the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality gives it the power to appoint such sub-Committees who can invite submissions and draft recommendations for legislative change.