Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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There are only one or two offences that require minimum sentencing and even these are challenged by the courts. In many instances, we have a maximum sentence or penalty. What we are referring to here is a maximum sentence of five years. I do not think this ties the hands of the Judiciary. This is a recommendation from the Attorney General who looked at other types of case law and criminal offences and the fact that it involves a minor. The recommendation is five years. This is something on which we have had a great deal of engagement with the Attorney General. It is a maximum that allows up to five years for the judge to respond.