Statement by Justice Minister on Criminal Justice Inspectorate report
Date published:
Justice Minister Naomi Long has commented on a report issued today - ‘Transforming the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland – a strategic overview’.
The report produced by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate acknowledges the challenges and pressures being experienced across the Criminal justice system.
The Minister said: “I welcome this report by Criminal Justice Inspection. The challenges experienced by the Justice system are well reported and documented and I am committed to delivering improvements for the benefit of all who come into contact with the system. Budgetary constraints; collapse of power-sharing; and Covid have all contributed to a less agile and less responsive justice system, however improvements have been made and continue to be made.
“The Criminal Justice Board prioritisation and oversight of the Speeding up Justice programme provides clear evidence of system wide prioritisation by senior justice leaders. The programme takes forward existing work on committal reform, existing and emerging work in the digital arena, and explores other areas for efficiencies such as early engagement, court remits and out of court disposals. Through this work we are beginning to see a reduction in end-to-end case processing times, with a median time of 190 days for 2023/24, the second yearly reduction.
“I remain committed to improving the justice experience for victims and witnesses and I have announced an extension to the Sexual Offences Legal Advisor (SOLA) scheme. This pilot scheme helps victims of serious sexual assaults navigate the criminal justice system, providing much needed support at that time.”
The Department is also today launching a consultation on proposals to improve the experience of victims and witnesses of crime, planned for inclusion in a Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill. This will build upon steps already taken to improve support services.
On the enabling access to justice reform programme, the Minister said: “We need to put the citizen at the heart of the justice system and provide services that can deliver the best possible outcomes. I will therefore announce my way forward on the reform programme in the coming days, including the publication of the Judge Burgess report.”
The report will now be fully considered by the Minister and Criminal Justice Board to continue building on the recommendations to deliver the transformation of justice.
In conclusion, the Minister thanked the Chief Inspector Jacqui Durkan and her team for the work involved in producing the report.
Notes to editors:
- Please direct all media enquiries to press.office@justice-ni.gov.uk
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.