Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I do not really know the outcome of the Minister's argument given that section 11 of the 1995 Act requires an annual report. Given that it is a statutory requisite, it should therefore be a requisite to have a report on the operation of the Transfer of Execution of Sentences Bill 2003. The two can be rolled into one. An amendment is necessary because it is not obligatory to make any reference to this legislation.

Under the 1995 Act, an annual report is required. A list of the number of times the legislation before the House will have been used in terms of the transfer of the execution of sentences could easily be appended. The Minister says as much. Where is the problem? The information will be provided anyway and therefore it is no big deal to add on another little piece of information that would make the operation of this legislation more transparent.

To say the relevant information can be obtained through parliamentary questions does not reflect the way in which we should do our business. If we already require an annual report regarding the 1995 Act, why not require it in respect of this Bill? Will the Minister agree to my amendment?

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