Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

It is regrettable that the Minister does not have the good grace to accept that this is a scandal under his watch. It is too much to expect that he would.

All accept the independence of the Judiciary and there is no question of anybody here engaging in anything that might compromise that independence.

I have two questions. Has the Minister examined the feasibility of asking the courts to consider the safety of a member of the community or of the general public in the context of a bail application being made, and whether that might be an issue that could be considered? That, to my mind, would in no way interfere with the independence of the Judiciary.

Has the matter of delay, between the time of arrest, charge and caution and the ultimate trial taking place, been looked at? Has he met with the executives of the Courts Service to deal with the matter of delay because this is an issue too? Not only are we dealing with the circumstances under which bail can be granted and the criteria that might be adjudged by the court, but the issue of lengthy delays in criminal trials between the time a suspect is arrested, charged and cautioned and the ultimate trial is an issue that in no way interferes with any European Convention or law or the independence of the Judiciary, and is, in effect, a real issue.

See this speech in context