Seòmar agus comataidhean

I have just one question, which relates to the reasons for refusing bail. The bill looks to expand the current requirement for a court to state and record the reasons for refusing bail. Do you think that that will be helpful?

I want to come back in on the rehabilitation courses, which are intended to reduce reoffending when people come back out into the community. We know that it is hard for them to get on to such courses and to progress through them, but do you think that the courses work in reassuring victims and the community? When people go through into reintegration, should there be an overlap whereby such courses continue?

I want to ask about release planning. I thank Kate Wallace and Emma Bryson for their submission. The aim of the bill is to support the successful reintegration of prisoners back into the community. That includes release planning and throughcare. Are the bill’s proposals helpful? Would you like any other changes to be made to reflect the interests of victims? In your experience, have you seen any good practice in that regard?

Does Lesley McAra want to come in on that?

Emma, do you want to comment on that?

Emma, do you have any comments on that?

On release planning and throughcare, there is a view that there will be third sector involvement, purposeful activity and activities to get people to reintegrate into the community. Our justice system is about the punishment and the rehabilitation aspect. You have talked about safeguarding and early informing. Having worked with victims, what assurances do you have that, when release is being planned or people are coming out of prison, a proper rehabilitation programme will be in place so that they do not reoffend?

I am keen to see the consultation responses in order to make a more informed choice. The letter says that they will be published in due course. I also note the research that has been carried out by the University of Glasgow and Ipsos MORI, which will give us more information on what the public thinks about virtual trials and the questions that have been put forward on the issue.

Thank you, convener, and good morning—I was going to say that I should check the time, but it is still morning.

I have a quick question about uniformity, which was mentioned. When I attended the youth court in Hamilton sheriff court, I found that the justice social work department is based in the court, which I think is relevant to what you were talking about in respect of each of the local authorities. What research have you carried out involving comparisons between local authorities to see what good practice there is and how that is working out? I found it helpful that the social work department is based in-house at that court.

I know, but it is still the public purse. That is quite substantial, and other costs would be incurred along with that. However, yes, absolutely, at the heart of it, it is about the ability of the victims of the historical troubles in Ireland to get justice.