Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

In his response, the Minister adequately dealt with amendment No. 8 and the questions raised by Deputy English on Committee Stage.

The Minister maintains that inclusion of amendment No. 9 would lower the bar and create public disquiet to a certain extent. I do not accept this. The general public accepts that mental illness is an uncertain science. Without the guidance and advice of experts in all fields, it is impossible for ordinary people to understand what drives or motivates people with such disorders. It is not helpful to suggest that lay members of a jury would not be able to interpret or decide on explanations given by experts. Ultimately, if justice is to be done and seen to be done in a jury system, it is the jury's decision to interpret the advice given by experts in various fields.

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