Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

The public and this House have had very little opportunity to discuss many of the propositions put forward by the Minister. If we are to talk about improvements to the criminal justice system, let us talk about them. However, suggesting that any such discussion should be based solely on proposals by the Minister is entirely wrong and undemocratic. While I have considerable reservations about the proposal put forward by Deputy Howlin, I compliment him on putting it forward. In discussing improvements to the criminal justice system, it is only by having rational, healthy debate on ideas that we will end up with a better system. Such debate should not be confined to ideas emanating from the ministerial stable.

At first sight, Deputy Howlin's amendment looks attractive. However, I thought the example he quoted about the television licence was a little unfortunate. I am sure there are many people with television licences who have not got a clue where the actual piece of paper is and who would not be in a position to produce it. I might have some difficulty.

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