The Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald says she wants to see alternatives to jail sentences being used more for less serious offences.

Her predecessor, Alan Shatter, had criticised the judiciary for not considering the use of community service when imposing sentences of under 12 months.

Judges are compelled to give consideration to other options rather than custodial terms under legislation introduced in 2011.

Ms Fitzgerald says statistics show supervised community sanctions help to reduce re-offending and crime rates.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) has welcomed the publication of the final report of the Strategic Review on Penal Policy, calling it "a blueprint for a fairer and more effective penal system".

IPRT executive director Deirdre Malone said "IPRT strongly considers this report as a blueprint of how Ireland's penal system can and should play its part in a fairer and safer society."

"The Strategic Review Group has clearly set out the core goals of an effective penal system as one that balances punishment with what actually works to address offending. The significance of this report is that it represents consensus across a range of expertise and backgrounds, including criminal justice agencies, victims groups, and civil society."

"However, we are mindful that the Whitaker Report of 1985 contained key recommendations which were never implemented. It is crucial that Government now commits to action on all of the recommendations included in the Review Group Report," she added.