AQO 3545/22-27 Oral question to the Minister of Justice
To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on the Review of Sentencing Policy.
Asked by Andrew McMurray MLA on 30 April 2026
- Answered
- Oral
- Tabled
- 30 April 2026
- Answer due by
- 12 May 2026
- Answered
- 12 May 202612 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Justice
- Priority question
- No
Answer
AQO 3545-22-27
I launched a further Review of Sentencing Policy on 14 January, to complement the introduction of the Sentencing Bill, and to consider the need to develop future legislation in respect of emerging sentencing issues.
The Review will consider the sentencing framework for a range of offences, sentencing guideline mechanisms and developments in other jurisdictions. Preliminary research is currently underway into these topics, alongside the collation of statistical information, to assist with further analysis and the development of policy proposals. Policy leads will also engage with operational partners and key stakeholders as part of the policy development process. The cross-departmental steering group chaired by my department met for the first time on 22 April.
Any proposals will be subject to public consultation, with a view to informing legislative proposals for the next mandate.
Subject to resources, it is anticipated that public consultation on policy proposals arising from the Review will take place in 2027.