Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am very happy to have the opportunity to present the Bill to the committee. I was struck by the level of support by Deputies on Second Stage. The Bill is a vital enhancement to current legislation. It is important that the sentencing provisions for sexual offences be appropriate to the offence in question. The Bill is of particular interest to me as I initially introduced a related Private Member’s Bill setting out a presumptive minimum sentence for repeat sex offenders. The Government agreed to take that proposal forward when I became Minister of State. The Government is not proposing any amendments to the Bill. I am interested to hear the views of Deputies on the proposals set out in the Bill. I appreciate the support of Deputies, colleagues and the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan. I am happy to work with Deputies to address any concerns on the Bill.