Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with amendment No. 28 tabled by Deputy Mick Wallace. The decision should be signed and dated as it is a formal decision.

Regarding amendment No. 29 also tabled by Deputy Mick Wallace, I note the point made by Deputy Jonathan O'Brien, but it would be worthwhile having something in the Bill to put the onus on the parole board to provide a decision within a reasonable timeframe or as soon as is reasonably practicable. Putting a specific date on it - for example, a requirement that it be done within four weeks - would make it very difficult for the board. However, on balance, I have no problem with amendments Nos. 28 and 29. I do not think amendments Nos. 26 and 27 are over the top, as suggested by Deputy Clare Daly, but I am concerned that they would limit the discretion of the parole board and the chairperson. The objective in having panels of three, four or five individuals is that a number of panels could be in operation at any one time. It should be remembered that there are only 15 people on the board; therefore, there could be between three and five panels operating at any one time. We are better off leaving discretion as to how panels are operated with the chairperson. If panels are to consist of five members every time, less consideration may be given and they could find themselves overworked. Every single one of the five members would only be able to deal with three applications at a time. Therefore, on balance, I would leave the provision as it is and let the chairperson have discretion.