No move to increase non-custodial sentences

THERE has been no significant increase in non-custodial sentences in recent years despite the recommendations of an expert group, according to the State’s financial watchdog.

In a report, the Comptroller and Auditor General said sentences served in the community under the supervision of the Probation and Welfare Service cost about one-third that of custodial sentences.

"In cost-effectiveness terms there appears to be a strong argument for developing the capacity of the Service to deal with as many offenders in the community as judges decide can appropriately be given such sentences," said Comptroller and Auditor General John Purcell in his report to the Oireachtas.