Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Criminal Justice Bill 2007. The Fine Gael Party and the majority of Opposition Deputies support most of its provisions and while we hope to improve the legislation, we do not propose to block it. We argue it is being rushed through the House too quickly because we do not want flaws to emerge later, as happened with previous Bills. If we leave grey areas or scope to appeal to higher courts, we will give gang members an opportunity to get away with their crimes. For this reason, the legislation must be strong, clear and without loopholes. This debate provides an opportunity to have a good debate and further time for scrutiny will be available on Committee Stage.

Many of the Minister's colleagues are not aware of the time and effort invested in the previous Criminal Justice Act. Committee Stage of that Bill lasted for more than three months and the legislation was bandied about the House for two years. The Bill before us is even bigger.

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