Electronic tagging of offenders to begin this year

The electronic tagging pilot programme will become operational later this year, and will be rolled out on a phased basis

Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan said that electronic tagging could also be used "as an additional tool to support the management and monitoring of offenders".

Electronic tagging of certain criminal offenders is to begin before the end of the year, the Government has confirmed.

The scheme is being rolled out on a 12-month trial basis, and the contract signed with Allied Universal Electronic Monitoring allows for the use of between 30 and 50 tags.

The Department of Justice said it is anticipated that each tag may be used up to three times within a 12-month period.

"The exact number of people monitored will depend on a range of factors including individuals’ personal circumstances, their ongoing suitability, and compliance with conditions," it said.

The new contract began on August 14 and has a duration of 12 months, with an option to extend for one further period of 12 months.

The department said the pilot programme will become operational later this year, and will be rolled out on a phased basis.

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “Since taking office, I committed to the introduction of electronic tagging for a certain cohort of offenders, and this contract brings this commitment to fruition. It is also a commitment in the programme for government which aims to alleviate pressure on prison capacity while maintaining public safety.

“Public safety is a priority, and considerations such as the profile of offender, nature, type, and seriousness of the offence will be evaluated when assessing suitability for electronic monitoring.

“It is used in many jurisdictions as an additional tool to support the management and monitoring of offenders. The pilot phase will have the capacity to monitor between 90 and 150 individuals over a 12-month period."