Justice, Crime & Public Protection

THE PROPOSAL

1. Tougher sentencing
Increase minimum sentences for serious violent and repeat offences.

1) End lenient sentencing for serious crimes.
2) Restrict suspended sentences and introduce limits on suspension periods.
3) Increase sentences for sexual offences and crimes against children, including life imprisonment where warranted.

2. Prison expansion
1) Build additional modern prison facilities.
2) Increase prison capacity to ensure custodial sentences can be served.

3. Parole reform
1) Significantly increase parole eligibility requirements.
2) Stricter assessment of serious and repeat offenders.
3) Prioritise victims' interests and public safety in release decisions.

4. Stronger Garda protection
1) Strengthen Garda powers to tackle violent crime.
2) Make attacks on Gardaí, Garda vehicles and equipment serious criminal offences.
3) Introduce tougher penalties for assaults and repeat attacks on Gardaí.

5. Victim and survivor protection
1) Improve protection, emergency housing and long-term accommodation for victims of child sexual abuse, domestic violence and domestic abuse.
2) Provide better access to counselling, legal assistance and recovery support.
3) Strengthen protection orders and safeguards against intimidation.

6. Counselling confidentiality
1) Protect counselling and therapy records from routine use in court.
2) Disclosure only where strictly necessary and authorised by a judge.

7. Child protection
1) Much harsher sentences for serious offences against children.
2) Life imprisonment for the most serious crimes where appropriate.
3) Stronger monitoring of convicted child sex offenders and improved protection against exploitation.

8. Court system and language
1) Irish and English to remain the official languages of court proceedings.
Provide interpreters for other languages where required, including in legally aided cases.
Introduce legislation allowing the State to seek recovery of interpreter costs from defendants convicted of offences, subject to ability-to-pay safeguards and judicial discretion.
9. Justice system reform
1) Review sentencing guidelines and suspended sentence practices.
2) Faster court proceedings and reduced delays.
3) Greater accountability throughout the criminal justice system

4) Full review of ex parte papers system for full compliance with EU laws especially under articles below:

ECHR Article 6

EU Charter Article 47

ECHR Article 13