Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I know what the Deputy is referring to but it is a difficult area as one is dealing with how other states would manage this. Unless states have reciprocal arrangements for the recognition of spent convictions, they do not recognise each other's. This is for the good reason that penal systems vary greatly across the world. What may merit a lenient sentence in one country may merit a harsh one in another and vice versa. The legislation defines “conviction” in section 1 as the conviction by a court of a person. “Court” is defined as any court in this State. This clearly locates the regime provided for by the Bill in this State. For this reason, the Government cannot accept the amendment.