Targeting the repeat offenders - Reducing crime

It is not before time that Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has launched a new crime reduction initiative aimed at repeat offenders. While the overwhelming majority of people living in Ireland are law-abiding residents, there are some for whom criminality has become a way of life.

There will always be the one-time offender who makes a singular serious mistake and, depending on the nature and circumstances of the offence, may deserve to be treated leniently in the expectation that he or she will not err again.

The purpose of the criminal law is threefold. Firstly, it is to punish the offender. Secondly, it is meant to act as a deterrent to anyone else contemplating such behaviour. Thirdly, and, perhaps most importantly, it is to protect the community.