IPRT Submission on General Scheme of the Bail Bill 2015

1st September 2015

IPRT made a submission to the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality in response to a call for written submissions in relation to General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill 2015.

View the IPRT submission here.

Key recommendation:

• The most effective way to improve compliance with bail conditions, particularly where the accused person has a chaotic life and complex personal challenges, lies in the provision of bail supports and services that allow the accused to remain within their community and address offending-related behaviour in a familiar environment.
• Therefore, IPRT strongly recommends that the Bill include an evidence-based approach to provision for bail services and supports aimed at the prevention of offending on bail, ensuring appearance at court and reducing remands to custody to the essential minimum.