The Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, is to seek Cabinet approval to introduce an electronic tagging system for offenders as an alternative to custodial sentences.
According to newspaper reports this morning, members of Mr McDowell's team are now working on the draft legislation that is expected to be framed by Easter.
The proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill will be based on the UK tagging system and will most likely be tested on first-time offenders and people found guilty of public order offences.
A department spokeswoman has said the draft legislation is at an advanced stage.
