Clause 54 - Reparation orders
Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill
12:15 pm
Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate, Conservative)
I am happy to accept the hon. Gentleman's point: we would, if we were going to be as sophisticated as the review intended. At paragraph 10.74, the review states:
''We recommend that a form of community service should be developed for those under 16 years of age, with a maximum period of service of 40 hours.''
Again, that would be different from what happens in the rest of the United Kingdom.
The Bill will bring about differences, not only with reparation orders but in other areas, because it introduces an experimental system of criminal justice for youth. Northern Ireland's experience in the wake of these proposals will clearly hold important lessons for the rest of the UK. It would be a pity to limit reparation orders to 24 hours because of the
relationship between offender and victim, which is intended to aid rehabilitation, especially as they will involve 16 and 17-year-olds.
I hope that the Government will be flexible in considering the amendment. I shall not press it to a Division. Deciding what the number should be is a matter of judgment. Perhaps the amendment should be more sophisticated, as the hon. Member for Montgomeryshire suggests. I should be grateful if the Government would keep an open mind.