Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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203. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to a study published by the Irish Penal Reform Trust entitled Sometimes 'I'm Missing the Words’ which has identified that non-Irish nationals and people of colour tend to be sentenced to longer custodial sentences than average and which reported racism in the prison service; the steps she will take to tackle racism and prejudice in the justice system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22449/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Bias, inequality and racism have no place in our societies. I very much welcome the work of the Irish Penal Reform Trust on these important issues and I can assure the Deputy that the recommendations are currently being examined by officials in my Department and the criminal justice agencies with a view to informing future practice and operations.

In this regard I would note that a range of equality, diversity and integration measures are already in place across key criminal justice sector bodies including An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service, consistent with the obligations which exist under the Public Sector Human Rights duty, and with a view to delivering fair and accessible services. These important measures and initiatives are being kept under review and there is ongoing work to be done in this regard.

The Deputy will be aware, of course that sentencing is a matter solely within the discretion of the trial judge having regard to the circumstances of the case and of the accused and subject to any limits as may be prescribed by law for a particular offence. A Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee has been established by the Judicial Council, to support the work of the Council in relation to the development of sentencing guidelines, and neither I nor my Department has any role in the operation of the Council or its Committees.

I understand that the Judicial Council has adopted guidelines in relation to Judicial conduct and ethics on 4 February this year and the Council is promoting and maintaining a high standard of conduct amongst Judges having regard to these guidelines.