Individuals involved in crimes such as drunk and disorderly conduct, assault and criminal damage who admit their guilt could have their cases dealt with through a new community courts system, according to a new report.
Other typical "quality of life" offences which would be dealt with under the new system include petty theft, soliciting/loitering, drug use and handling stolen property worth less than €1,000.
The report, by the National Crime Council, highlights the possible impact which such "problem-solving" courts could have on recidivism by addressing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour.
It suggests that these types of court also promote a shift away from the concept of a "victimless crime", and would include pre-trial assessments of all defendants to identify any underlying problems.
Under the proposals, the punishments imposed by the court could include community work, which would last for up to four days, and which would ideally be linked to the offence committed.
The report says the work should also be completed in the area where the crime was committed, and would ordinarily commence immediately.
Participants would have to plead guilty to participate in community courts, which are popular in the US and elsewhere.
However, once they have fully complied with the conditions laid down by the court they would have no criminal conviction recorded.
The chairman of the crime council, Padraic White, said there was an "outstanding opportunity" to develop a court in Dublin city centre covering the Store Street and Pearse Street Garda station areas.
This would complement the planned Business Improvement Districts initiative in the centre of the city, whereby businesses contribute a special levy to a fund for the enhancement and upgrading of the areas.
He was speaking at the launch of the report in Dublin yesterday evening, which was attended by, among others, Tánaiste Michael McDowell and the Chief Justice John L Murray.
The report says community courts should be "stand alone" in areas of high population, but could form part of the ordinary District Court in more rural areas.
It says each community court should also have one designated judge and should have access to a range of supports.
These should include, at a minimum,drug and alcohol addiction services, education/literacy courses, pre-employment and other training programmes, family, housing and other social services, parenting programmes and courses on anger management.
While speed of access to the services was critical, the council said it was not necessary that the services be on site.
The report does not estimate the costs associated with establishing community courts.
However it is thought that the Dublin version could deal with 40 cases per day, and would help to ensure court time and resources were used more efficiently.
Mr McDowell told those present at the launch of the report yesterday that he supported the introduction of community courts.