Preasráitis
Minister McEntee publishes Justice Plan 2022
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee today published Justice Plan 2022 outlining 159 actions to continue building a justice system that works for everyone.
Justice Plan 2022 is the second in a series of annual plans introduced by the Minister and builds on the work outlined in Justice Plan 2021. The annual Justice Plans deliver on the ambition set out in the Department of Justice’s Statement of Strategy 2021-2023, A safe, fair and inclusive Ireland.
As a result of the work delivered under Justice Plan 2021, the following reforms have been completed or will be progressed this year:
Among the 159 actions in Justice Plan 2022, Minister McEntee and Minister of State James Browne will:
During 2022, a coordinated whole-of-government response to the forcible displacement of millions of people from Ukraine will also be prioritised.
The Ukrainian people want to be as close to their homes as the war will allow. For this reason, the EU has, for the first time in its history, activated the Temporary Protection Directive. The Department of Justice will ensure that temporary protection permission is provided to everyone who is eligible to receive it on their arrival in Ireland. Over 8,000 permissions have been provided so far. Minister McEntee and her Government colleagues will continue to work with their EU counterparts on any further EU-wide measures that might be needed to assist those fleeing Ukraine.
Launching Justice Plan 2022, Minister McEntee said:
“Justice Plan 2022 will help us continue to prioritise and deliver the work that will make a real difference for people in Ireland both in the short and the long term. Action by action, reform by reform, we can make a real difference to the people who rely on us. This action plans sets out 159 actions to be delivered in 2022 as well as the priority of managing the consequences arising in the Justice sphere from the invasion of Ukraine.
"As part of this plan I will lead work across Government to achieve zero tolerance of domestic, sexual and gender based violence and abuse.
"Victims will also be better supported through the implementation of ‘Supporting a Victim’s Journey’, the plan which puts victims at the heart of the criminal justice system.
"We will continue to support An Garda Síochána in its centenary year in protecting our communities from crime through increased resourcing, investment in diversity, training and technology.
"Work will also progress to reform the courts system and increase efficiency while creating a family courts system that is less adversarial and more sensitive to the needs of families. Tackling the cost of insurance will also be a focus.
"And I also believe in a criminal justice system where the sentence matches the crime and I will bring forward proposals to reform the law in relation to life sentences.”
Minister of State for Law Reform, James Browne, added:
“I am absolutely committed to progressing legislation regarding the regulation of gambling which will establish a public safety and well-being focussed Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. I will also lead on further progress on the implementation of the Youth Justice Strategy and ongoing work to combat anti-social behaviour and criminal activity impacting our communities.
"The comprehensive aims and actions contained in this year’s Justice Plan will play a central role in fostering a safe, fair and inclusive Ireland. I am looking forward to advancing our work for the benefit of all in Irish society. The breadth and depth of the ambitions set out in the Justice Plan reflect the importance of Justice matters for citizens and the Plan highlights the significance of the Justice sector for people’s lives and welfare.
"I recognise that in order to achieve the positive changes envisaged by the Justice Plan, the department and its agencies must work in tandem with stakeholders and society in general. The multi-faceted nature of the Justice Plan’s objectives means that this collaboration will be essential and worthwhile.”
The series of Justice Plans, and a wider three year Statement of Strategy for the Department of Justice, are built on five key goals.
For the first time, Justice Plan 2022 details a number of key performance indicators under each goal which will be used to measure success.
These goals, and some of detailed actions which will be taken under them, are as follows,
1. Tackle crime, enhance 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
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Justice Plan is by its nature, mostly policy, legislation and innovation focused, to deliver on the department's strategic goals for the next few years. The Justice Plan’s actions will be delivered in addition to the varied, substantial and valued day to day work of the department which delivers vital services for members of the public and agencies in the justice sector.
Justice Plan 2022 contains 159 headline actions, and a number of associated actions, each with specific timelines for implementation.
Progress against the plan is reported on to Ministers on a monthly basis. Progress reports will be published twice annually, mid-year and at the end of the year as part of the department’s annual report.