§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will consult organisations in Northern Ireland concerned with the resettlement and employment of ex-offenders concerning possible amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1908 (N.I.27)), in order to make that legislation better adapted to special local conditions. [HL1044]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Dubs)While the Government have no immediate plans to review the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Northern Ireland) Order 1978, consultation with non-government organisations would naturally form part of that process. However, the legislation must continue to ensure that there are neither so many categories of exemptions as to undermine its purpose, nor so few as to jeopardise public interest on welfare of vulnerable members of society. Similarly, the period of rehabilitation must not be disproportionate to the seriousness of the offence.