Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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67. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps she will take in the upcoming justice plan to modernise the sector; the actions she will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41543/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 67 together.

A new Strategy Statement to cover the period 2020 to 2023 is being developed by my Department. This new strategy will reflect the relevant Programme for Government commitments and the appropriate reporting mechanisms which will enable my Department to monitor, track and report progress on a regular basis.

I intend to deliver actions across the following five areas:

1. Tackle crime, preserve national security and transform policing

2. Improve access to justice and modernise the courts system

3. Strengthen community safety, reduce reoffending, support victims and combat domestic, sexual and gender based violence 

4. Deliver a fair immigration system for a digital age

5. Accelerate innovation, digital transformation and climate action across the justice sector

In preparing the final draft and plan, officials have engaged with key stakeholders seeking input on the priorities and associated actions. We have consulted with all of our key agencies and bodies, the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, all other Government departments, along with inviting submissions from members of the public.

We are currently reviewing and analysing all submissions to further inform the development of our statement of strategy, while also ensuring our work continues to align with a number of the social, economic and environmental dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals.

To support the implementation and monitoring of the strategy, I have asked my officials to prepare an action plan setting out the proposed timelines and detailed initiatives that will be undertaken to progress a reformed and modernised agenda across the Justice Sector. The plan will be updated annually, with quarterly reporting of progress, and will act as an important tool in enabling us to track progress in relation to each of the priorities.

In line with the timeframe set out in the Public Service Management Act 1997, I will receive an initial draft of the strategy and the corresponding action plan before Christmas, while both documents are scheduled for publication early in the New Year.