THE increased use of confiscation and disqualification as sanctions for crime and ending prison terms for fine defaulters are among proposals made by Democratic Left.
The party's policy document on crime, "Rights and Remedies", was introduced at a press conference by party chairwoman, Ms Catherine Murphy, yesterday. None of the party's six TDs was present.
"The use of custodial sentences in respect of debt or the non payment of fines serves no rehabilitative purpose and can in fact militate against a person's ability to pay the amount owed," she said.
"There also seems to be no sane relationship between the custodial sentences handed down in respect of different debts or fines. A hard pressed housewife unable to pay a TV licence may find herself serving seven days in Mountjoy, causing undue hardship to herself and to her family.
"At the same time a wealthy farmer convicted of a very serious offence, such as the use of growth promoters, can save himself nearly £40,000 by opting for a 30 day stretch in the relatively pleasant surroundings of Castlerea."
The document contains a number of proposals for reorganising the criminal justice system, including the establishment of a Garda Authority to take over the running of the Garda from Department of Justice, and the setting up of community policing councils in estates and flats vulnerable to crime.
Much of the document is devoted to measures aimed at tackling social exclusion and drug abuse. This includes increased funding for the pre school sector and the expansion of the early start programme for young children in disadvantaged communities; the establishment of "schools of last resort" for highly disruptive children; the setting up of "one stop shops" for drug addicts and their families and the expansion of the carers' allowance to include those caring for addicts.
Juveniles should be separated from adult offenders at every stage in the criminal justice process, according to the document.
Victims should be consulted about all decisions relating to the progress of the case, and especially when decisions are made not to prosecute. Their privacy should be protected and they should be able to apply in advance for compensation from the perpetrator. However, compensation should be paid by the State, which should recoup the amount from the perpetrator.
The document will be discussed at the party's conference in April.