Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Curiously, there is an arrest power under the 1993 Act, but there is no power as regards detention for questioning. It is essential in these cases that we deal with it that way.

There is also the question if one is dealing with a summary offence — there may be some exception for children offences but I think I am correct in saying — that it must be prosecuted within six months of the commission of offence. Most summary offences, in any case, are so prosecuted. The issue of time limits would arise for this offence which might not otherwise arise, and by making it indictable we get around that issue as well.

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