Justice Minister launches public consultation on reform of rehabilitation periods

Justice Minister, Naomi Long, today launched a public consultation on ‘Rehabilitation of Offenders - a consultation on proposals to reform rehabilitation periods in Northern Ireland.’

Justice Minister, Naomi Long, today launched a public consultation on ‘Rehabilitation of Offenders - a consultation on proposals to reform rehabilitation periods in Northern Ireland.’

The consultation presents proposals to reform rehabilitation periods in Northern Ireland to reflect changes in sentencing practices and developments in other jurisdictions.

Naomi Long said: “It is essential that we have a criminal justice system which punishes offenders appropriately and fairly, protects the public and supports victims.  But we also need a system that can reform offenders effectively so that they do not go on to commit further crimes.

“Much progress has been made on rehabilitation and release planning in each of our prisons in recent years and it is important that we build on this.”

“By setting appropriate periods for sentences to be spent we actively support the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders back into our community.”

“This is essential if we are to reduce reoffending and ensure there are fewer victims of crime, making our communities safer and reducing the number of repeat offenders circulating within the justice system.”

Rehabilitation periods in Northern Ireland have remained essentially unchanged since they were first introduced in 1978 and since then changes in sentencing practice have meant that longer sentences are now being imposed than when rehabilitation periods were first established.

Taking consideration of developments in neighbouring jurisdictions – both already implemented and under consideration – the consultation seeks views on proposals to reduce the length of time that it will take for some convictions to become spent;  and to allow more sentences to be included in the rehabilitation of offenders scheme in Northern Ireland.

The consultation will run for 8 weeks from Friday 8 January 2021 to Friday 5 March 2021.  Further information on this consultation is available on the consultation section of this website DoJ website and responses can be submitted via citizenspace on the nidirect website.

Notes to editors: 

1. The public consultation will run for 8 weeks from 8 January 2021 to 5 March 2021.
2. Responses to the consultation can be submitted via Citizen Space https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/doj/reform-of-rehabilitation-periods
3. If you require a copy of the consultation in an alternative format please contact the Department by email DojCLB@justice-ni.gov.uk; or in writing to Criminal Law Branch, Department of Justice, Massey House, Stormont Estate, Belfast, BT4 3SX.
4. Media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office via email at: press.office@justice-ni.gov.uk
5. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted out of hours on 028 9037 8110

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