Justice system reforms could see life sentences for murderers lengthened and new laws to criminalise grooming of kids for crime gangs

Reforms to the justice system could see life sentences for murderers lengthened and also introduce new laws to criminalise the grooming of children for crime gangs.

The Justice Minister will today publish Justice Plan 2022 containing 159 actions which will also include new measures to combat domestic, sexual and gender based violence.

It is also hoped the plan will help tackle the cost of insurance by bringing forward new legislation to build on measures already taken to help in reducing the award levels of personal injury claims.

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There are also measures for the improvement of the trial process for sexual offences, white collar crimes and organised crime.

Also included are proposals to update the country’s antiquated licensing laws, with a general scheme to be published in the coming weeks.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: “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 McEntee said that tackling domestic, sexual and gender based violence though is a priority.

Minister McEntee added: “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 according to strict deadlines.

“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.”

There are also proposals for the introduction of reforms regarding the appointment of judges and for legislation to provide for the use of body worn cameras for gardai.

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