Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Increased reliance on video evidence will be seen as enhancing the protection of suspects and Garda questioners alike. These changes will also address what one hears about the use and abuse of recordings given to arrested persons when they are apparently used to convince the "boss" and accomplices that nothing incriminating was said in the interview.

Deputies Sexton and Fiona O'Malley spoke on the question of sentencing, with particular reference to a recent case. I am aware the case referred to by the two Deputies is before the courts so it would be inappropriate for me to comment on it. However, Members will recall that I set out my views on sentencing policies in my opening remarks in this debate. I emphasised the need for consistency, coherence and rationality, and I also set out my views on the respective roles of the Judiciary and the Oireachtas in developing sentencing policies. It is not necessary for me to add to those remarks at this juncture.

Several Deputies inquired about the plans to introduce electronic monitoring. In particular, Deputy Howlin had questions about the technical feasibility of it. Electronic monitoring can currently take two forms.

The first type, which has been in operation in a number of countries since the 1990s, is what is commonly called tagging. This is a tried and tested method where the offender wears an electronic bracelet, anklet or other electronic device in accordance with conditions set by the courts or on release from prison, such as compliance with a curfew condition. The tagged person's presence at or absence from a specified location, usually the person's home, is monitored by computer 24 hours a day using a base station and telephone line. Effectively the device is plugged into a wall and would telephone if——

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