Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)

It has not worked. We have many lovely Acts, but we want action. We want follow-on action to the Acts because that is much more important for the people.

I welcome the crime prevention order in section 25. It is a good idea, but I question whether ten years is too long. How it will work has not been set out clearly and we need further clarification. To be under the order for ten years may be unfair on some ex-offender who makes a good effort to behave. It should be reviewed every few years. While we must be tough on crime, we must be fair to those who make an effort to rehabilitate themselves and get back into society. This crime prevention order should not be left hanging over them. The order is a good idea and it is important to provide for it in the Bill as it gives victims a feeling of security because they know that even when a person leaves prison, he or she will be watched. I welcome that.

I welcome the Bill for the most part and hope the resources needed will be provided to back it up. This is the third Criminal Justice Bill on which I have spoken. Each time the Minister announces one of these Bills he points out how great they are and suggests they will solve all the problems. If that is the case, why am I speaking on a third Bill? I hope this one works. It touches on the issues, but the Minister also needs to review sentencing and guidelines for judges to be fair to the people.

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