Is it intended to expand the penalties available to the courts in sentencing children convicted of serious offences? Is legislation planned in this regard because this would be important in underpinning safety in our communities?

I thank the Deputy for raising this because it provides me with an opportunity to update the House. I am examining the issue raised in a recent court case very carefully. Government approval has been provided for the drafting of heads of Bill to provide for an amendment to the Children Act 2001 to ensure there are sufficient alternative sentencing options to fully and partially suspended sentences. This legislation is being prepared. The amendments are intended to maximise the alternative sentencing options available in the 2001 Act and to remove existing barriers to their use. The proposed legislative amendments will provide for deferred sentence supervision orders.