Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the committee for ordering its business this morning in a way that allows for a debate on this Bill which is required to implement an EU framework decision. As members will be aware from the debate in plenary session of the House, the purpose of the Bill is to facilitate a person who is under the supervision of the probation service in one EU member state but who lives in another in returning home and undergoing supervision there. The proposals made in the Bill are to increase the chances of social reintegration and the rehabilitation of offenders convicted of offences abroad; to better protect victims by ensuring non-resident offenders comply with probation conditions; and to reduce the unnecessary detention of non-resident offenders by ensuring non-custodial sentences can be enforced in the person's home state. I acknowledge the importance of these objectives. I also acknowledge the support of the House so far in this debate and look forward to our engagement.