Fianna Fáil sets out justice policies at Dublin event

Fianna Fáil set out proposals to reform the justice system at the launch of its new policy document, Supporting Victims, this morning.

Justice spokesperson Niall Collins said the justice system often “seems balanced in favour of criminals and repeat offenders while ordinary people who fall prey to criminality are left unrecognised”.

The party has proposed a new “victim’s surcharge” which would be levied on offenders after they have pleaded guilty or been convicted.

Mr Collins said the amount “depends on the circumstances of the offender and the sentence passed” and the surcharge would be separate from any fine or other court charge.

He explained: “The fees from this surcharge levied on convicted criminals will be ring-fenced for a new Victims’ Support Fund to help finance victim’s support groups. When a court passes a sentence it must also order that the relevant surcharge is paid.”

The party has also proposed a sentencing commission along the lines of that outlined in its failed Judicial Sentencing Commission Bill 2013.

Mr Collins said: “By establishing clear and accountable guidelines for criminal convictions, judges would be supported in their decision-making while their independence is maintained, something which is paramount in our democratic process and the administration of justice.

“Fianna Fáil has brought forward a wide range of measure to tackle crime and improve the criminal justice system in this election. We are firmly committed to making communities safer and ensuring that justice is done and seen to be done for victims of crime.”