Penal Policies and the Interaction with Women’s Needs in the Justice System

This chapter explores the limitations and complexities of CSOs as alternatives to imprisonment. It assesses the role of the Pre-Sentence Report in Irish sentencing and its influence on the use of CSOs, as well as discussing the intended purposes of CSOs. While CSOs offer potential benefits, their use in Ireland has been limited by judicial hesitancy, underutilisation, and insufficient targeted support. The Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014 has decreased short-term prison sentences for fine defaulters but has increased the use of community sanctions for women. This shift highlights how existing alternatives to custody fail to address women’s specific needs and circumstances, often resulting in marginalisation and limited effectiveness.