Report backs introduction of community courts

The Government's National Crime Council is recommending the introduction of so-called community courts in Ireland.

The courts are designed to give local communities a greater involvement in finding solutions to anti-social behaviour and low-level crime.

Offenders are frequently required to do community service and are also given help if they have drink or drug problems.

In a report out today, the NCC is set to recommend that these courts be introduced in Ireland following their success in reducing re-offending in the US and Britain.