Fianna Fáil wants offenders to pay a new victims surcharge, if convicted of a crime.

The party is pointing to surcharges in the UK, where criminals have to pay a surcharge of £80 if sent to prison for six months or less.

Fianna Fáil also wants a Sentencing Commission to be established, which will prepare guidelines on sentencing.

Fianna Fail’s justice spokesman, Niall Collins, says too often the justice system is weighted in favour of criminals.

Mr Collins said: "If Fianna Fáil is in government, criminals convicted of an offence will be expected to pay a new victims surcharge.

"This is a charge to be paid by an offender after they have pleaded guilty or been convicted. The amount depends on the circumstances of the offender and the sentence passed.

"It will be separate from any other fine imposed by the court."