Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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1126. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide an update on the Programme for Government commitment to establish a Penal Policy Consultative Council to advise on penal policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1684/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government 2020 contains a broad range of policies and proposals that represent a coherent approach to enhancing and sustaining a more just and safe society, with a specific commitment to review policy options for prison and penal reform.

In respect of delivering on this commitment, the Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024 was published in 2022. These reforms are an important development as we seek to reduce reoffending and make everyone safer.

As the Deputy is aware, the review contains six priority penal policy actions and 15 complementary actions. Progress has already been made in a number of relevant areas, and in some instances these actions form part of distinct, focused criminal justice strategies.

Action 5 of the review commits to establishing a Penal Policy Consultative Council, which would provide advice to the Minister on matters relating to penal policy. Work to implement this action is ongoing.