David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence & Equality is calling on interested parties to submit their views to the Committee on the use of electronic tagging and curfew as an alternative to pre-trial detention.
“Electronic tagging and curfews as an alternative to pre-trail detention is something that the Committee on Justice and Equality believes merits further examination. We believe that, if used appropriately, they may offer alternatives to the over-crowding that exists within the prison system.”
“Our Committee examined this issue in 2012 as part of a review we carried out on penal reform legislation, which also included non-custodial alternatives. On foot of that, we published a Report on Penal Reform which people can access online (http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/media/Penal-Reform-Report-13-March-2013-Final.pdf)
“This call for submissions is a unique opportunity for people to focus exclusively on the issue of electronic tagging and curfews which we believe needs further examination despite the changes that would have to be made to the criminal justice system if they were introduced. We are keen to assess all sides of the debate so would welcome all suitable written submissions when can be sent by email (electronictagging@oireachtas.ie) and must be received by 3pm on Friday, 27th November 2015.
“All submissions will be reviewed and we would hope to invite a number of the contributors to public hearings at some stage following the review”, concluded Deputy Stanton.
For further details on how to make a submission go to: http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/oireachtasbusiness/committees_list/jde-committee/submissionsonuseofelectronictaggingcurfews/