Debate contribution: Justice Bill: Second Stage
Debate contribution by Mr Maurice Bradley on .
- MLA
- Mr Maurice Bradley
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 1 October 2024
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Executive Committee Business
- Heading
- Justice Bill: Second Stage
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4562985
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I thank the Minister for her clarification. Her points are well made. Clauses 9, 10 and 13 relate to a juvenile justice centre. Will those clauses enshrine in law that no young person under 18 will be held anywhere other than a juvenile justice centre? While that has been the practice since 2012, there may be cases where the juvenile justice centre is not the most appropriate placement due to the risk posed to the individual or peers. What flexibility do justice agencies have to vary accommodation on a case-by-case basis? Clause 14 requires courts to consider the length of custodial sentence that a child might serve, if convicted, when deciding on remand periods exceeding three months. Will courts still have the discretion to refuse bail on the grounds of reoffending risk or public safety? It is crucial to maintain that discretion for complex cases where remand is in the mutual interests of the child and the public. In summary, the Bill may introduce some short-term challenges regarding decision-making and consistency. Its long-term benefits could enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of policing procedures and foster a more focused and rehabilitative approach to youth offending. I will speak briefly to Part 4, particularly clauses 22 and 23. Again, we will look closely at the technical changes to the functions of the Policing Board. However, it is crucial that delegated functions, particularly in such areas as injury on duty and ill-health retirement cases, do not dilute the potential for scrutiny and oversight. I conclude by stating my caution about the Bill. I look forward to hearing evidence from stakeholders and witnesses as the Bill progresses and to the Committee getting down to scrutinising the various aspects of the Bill's journey and taking time to scrutinise any late amendments. In short, I welcome the Bill.
303 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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