Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending. It is much appreciated. I also thank Deputy O'Callaghan for the opportunity to address this issue. We previously discussed it during the summer in the week the quarterly crime statistics were published, which indicated a significant increase in burglaries, thefts and so on. Much of the discussion at that time related to the levels of crime that happen while people are out on bail. There is a significant issue in this regard which needs to be addressed. Whether this Bill is the means of doing so is another issue. As legislators, we should strive to find a resolution to the number of crimes that are committed by people who are on bail.

I have a number of questions on electronic tagging and bail more generally. Ms Deane mentioned that there are not enough practical supports for those bereaved by homicide. Perhaps she would elaborate on that point and set out what other issues she believes the committee should examine.